Ink supply cartridge for a printhead assembly

ABSTRACT

Provided is an ink supply cartridge for a printhead assembly having a printhead integrated circuit (IC) and a guide assembly for guiding ink to the IC. The ink supply cartridge includes a first U-shaped top portion defining side walls, and a second base portion for complementarily receiving the first portion so that the side walls define elongate ink reservoirs together with the base portion. The base portion includes an end portion defining a series of air inlets with convoluted winding channels leading to the ink reservoirs, said channels hydrophobically treated to prevent ink escaping from the channels.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a Continuation of Ser. No. 11/239,031 filed on Sep. 30, 2005,which is a Continuation of Ser. No. 11/026,147 filed on Jan. 3, 2005,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,784, which is a Continuation of Ser. No.10/729,157 filed on Dec. 8, 2003 which is a continuation of Ser. No.09/112,774 filed on Jul. 10, 1998, now abandoned all of which are hereinincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates substantially to the concept of adisposable camera having instant printing capabilities and inparticular, discloses a printhead assembly for a digital camera system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, the concept of a “single use” disposable camera has become anincreasingly popular consumer item. Disposable camera systems presentlyon the market normally include an internal film roll and a simplifiedgearing mechanism for traversing the film roll across an imaging systemincluding a shutter and lensing system. The user, after utilizing asingle film roll returns the camera system to a film development centerfor processing. The film roll is taken out of the camera system andprocessed and the prints returned to the user. The camera system canthen be re-manufactured through the insertion of a new film roll intothe camera system, the replacement of any worn or wearable parts and there-packaging of the camera system in accordance with requirements. Inthis way, the concept of a single use “disposable” camera is provided tothe consumer.

Recently, a camera system has been proposed by the present applicantwhich provides for a handheld camera device having an internal printhead, image sensor and processing means such that images sense by theimage sensing means, are processed by the processing means and adaptedto be instantly printed out by the printing means on demand. Theproposed camera system further discloses a system of internal “printrolls” carrying print media such as film on to which images are to beprinted in addition to ink to supplying the printing means for theprinting process. The print roll is further disclosed to be detachableand replaceable within the camera system.

Unfortunately, such a system is likely to only be constructed at asubstantial cost and it would be desirable to provide for a moreinexpensive form of instant camera system which maintains a substantialnumber of the quality aspects of the aforementioned arrangement.

It would be further advantageous to provide for the effectiveinterconnection of the sub components of a camera system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided aprinthead assembly for a camera system having a chassis and a platenassembly that is mountable on the chassis, the platen assembly beingconfigured to support passage of a print medium along a printing path,the printhead assembly comprising

an ink reservoir assembly that is mountable on the chassis and definesat least three ink reservoirs in which differently colored inks arereceived, the ink reservoir assembly defining an outlet;

a guide assembly that is positioned in the ink reservoir assembly todefine at least three discrete ink paths that open at the outlet; and

at least one printhead integrated circuit that is positioned in theoutlet to span the printing path, the, or each, printhead integratedcircuit defining at least three sets of inlet apertures, each set ofinlet apertures being aligned with a respective ink path.

The ink reservoir assembly may define three ink reservoirs and the guideassembly may define three discrete ink paths.

Both the ink reservoir assembly and the guide assembly may be elongateto span the printing path. The ink reservoir assembly may include anelongate base member and an elongate cover member, the cover memberhaving a roof wall, a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of spacedinner walls, the side walls and the inner walls depending from the roofwall and being generally parallel to each other and the base memberhaving a floor and a pair of opposed end walls and defining an elongateopening in which the printhead integrated circuits are mounted, theguide assembly being interposed between lower ends of the inner wallsand the floor.

The guide assembly may include a pair of guide walls that extend fromrespective lower ends of the inner walls inwardly towards the elongateopening to define the three distinct ink paths that terminate atrespective sets of inlet apertures of the printhead integrated circuits.

The base member, the cover member and the guide assembly may be moldedof a plastics material.

One of the end walls may define a number of air inlet openings that aretreated to be hydrophobic to permit the ingress of air into the inkreservoirs as ink is fed from the ink reservoirs and to inhibit theegress of ink.

A sponge-like member may be positioned in each ink reservoir to storethe ink while inhibiting agitation of ink during general use of thecamera system.

The invention extends to a camera system that includes a printheadassembly as described above.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there isprovided in a camera system comprising: an image sensor device forsensing an image; a processing means for processing the sensed image; aprint media supply means for the supply of print media to a print head;a print head for printing the sensed image on the print media storedinternally to the camera system; a portable power supply interconnectedto the print head, the sensor and the processing means; and a guillotinemechanism located between the print media supply means and the printhead and adapted to cut the print media into sheets of a predeterminedsize.

Further, preferably, the guillotine mechanism is detachable from thecamera system. The guillotine mechanism can be attached to the printmedia supply means and is detachable from the camera system with theprint media supply means. The guillotine mechanism can be mounted on aplaten unit below the print head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of thepresent invention, preferred forms of the invention will now bedescribed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the assembled camera ofthe preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view, partly exploded, of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the chassis of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the chassis illustrating mounting ofelectric motors;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective of the ink supply mechanism of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 6 is rear perspective of the assembled form of the ink supplymechanism of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the assembled form of the inksupply mechanism of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the platen unit of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembled form of the platen unit;

FIG. 10 is also a perspective view of the assembled form of the platenunit;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the printhead recappingmechanism of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a close up exploded perspective of the recapping mechanism ofthe preferred embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective of the ink supply cartridge of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a close up perspective, view partly in section, of theinternal portions of the ink supply cartridge in an assembled form;

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of one form of integrated circuitlayer of the image capture and processing integrated circuit of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view perspective illustrating the assemblyprocess of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a front exploded perspective view of the assemblyprocess of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the assembly process of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the assembly process of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the insertion of the platenunit in the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates the interconnection of the electrical components ofthe preferred embodiment;

FIG. 22 illustrates the process of assembling the preferred embodiment;and

FIG. 23 is a perspective view further illustrating the assembly processof the preferred embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Turning initially simultaneously to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 there areillustrated perspective views of an assembled camera constructed inaccordance with the preferred embodiment with FIG. 1 showing a frontperspective view and FIG. 2 showing a rear perspective view. The camera1 includes a paper or plastic film jacket 2 which can include simplifiedinstructions 3 for the operation of the camera system 1. The camerasystem 1 includes a first “take” button 4 which is depressed to capturean image. The captured image is output via output slot 6. A further copyof the image can be obtained through depressing a second “printer copy”button 7 whilst an LED light 5 is illuminated. The camera system alsoprovides the usual view finder 8 in addition to a CCD imagecapture/lensing system 9.

The camera system 1 provides for a standard number of output printsafter which the camera system 1 ceases to function. A prints leftindicator slot 10 is provided to indicate the number of remainingprints. A refund scheme at the point of purchase is assumed to beoperational for the return of used camera systems for recycling.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the assembly of the camera system is based aroundan internal chassis 12 which can be a plastic injection molded part. Apair of paper pinch rollers 28, 29 utilized for decurling are snapfitted into corresponding frame holes eg. 26, 27.

As shown in FIG. 4, the chassis 12 includes a series of mutually opposedprongs eg. 13, 14 into which is snapped fitted a series of electricmotors 16, 17. The electric motors 16, 17 can be entirely standard withthe motor 16 being of a stepper motor type. The motor 16, 17 includecogs 19, 20 for driving a series of gear wheels. A first set of gearwheels is provided for controlling a paper cutter mechanism and a secondset is provided for controlling print roll movement.

Turning next to FIGS. 5 to 7, there is illustrated an ink supplymechanism 40 utilized in the camera system. FIG. 5 illustrates a backexploded perspective view, FIG. 6 illustrates a back assembled view andFIG. 7 illustrates a front assembled view. The ink supply mechanism 40is based around an ink supply cartridge 42 which contains printer inkand a print head mechanism for printing out pictures on demand. The inksupply cartridge 42 includes a side aluminium strip 43 which is providedas a shear strip to assist in cutting images from a paper roll.

A dial mechanism 44 is provided for indicating the number of “printsleft”. The dial mechanism 44 is snap fitted through a correspondingmating portion 46 so as to be freely rotatable.

As shown in FIG. 6, the mechanism 40 includes a flexible PCB strip 47which interconnects with the print head and provides for control of theprint head. The interconnection between the Flex PCB strip and an imagesensor and print head integrated circuit can be via Tape AutomatedBonding (TAB) Strips 51, 58. A moulded aspherical lens and aperture shim50 (FIG. 5) is also provided for imaging an image onto the surface ofthe image sensor integrated circuit normally located within cavity 53and a light box module or hood 52 is provided for snap fitting over thecavity 53 so as to provide for proper light control. A series ofdecoupling capacitors eg. 34 can also be provided. Further a plug 45(FIG. 7) is provided for re-plugging ink holes after refilling. A seriesof guide prongs eg. 55-57 are further provided for guiding the flexiblePCB strip 47.

The ink supply mechanism 40 interacts with a platen unit 60 which guidesprint media under a printhead located in the ink supply mechanism. FIG.8 shows an exploded view of the platen unit 60, while FIGS. 9 and 10show assembled views of the platen unit. The platen unit 60 includes afirst pinch roller 61 which is snap fitted to one side of a platen base62. Attached to a second side of the platen base 62 is a cuttingmechanism 63 which traverses the platen unit 60 by means of a rod 64having a screw thread which is rotated by means of cogged wheel 65 whichis also fitted to the platen base 62. The screw threaded rod 64 mounts ablock 67 which includes a cutting wheel 68 fastened via a fastener 69.Also mounted to the block 67 is a counter actuator which includes a pawl71. The pawl 71 acts to rotate the dial mechanism 44 of FIG. 6 upon thereturn traversal of the cutting wheel. As shown previously in FIG. 6,the dial mechanism 44 includes a cogged surface which interacts withpawl 71, thereby maintaining a count of the number of photographs bymeans of numbers embossed on the surface of dial mechanism 44. Thecutting mechanism 63 is inserted into the platen base 62 by means of asnap fit via clips 74.

The platen unit 60 includes an internal recapping mechanism 80 forrecapping the print head when not in use. The recapping mechanism 80includes a sponge portion 81 and is operated via a solenoid coil so asto provide for recapping of the print head. In the preferred embodiment,there is provided an inexpensive form of printhead re-capping mechanismprovided for incorporation into a handheld camera system so as toprovide for printhead re-capping of an inkjet printhead.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the recapping mechanism whilstFIG. 12 illustrates a close up of the end portion thereof. There-capping mechanism 80 is structured around a solenoid including a 16turn coil 75 which can comprise insulated wire. The coil 75 is turnedaround a first stationery solenoid arm 76 which is mounted on a bottomsurface of the platen base 62 (FIG. 8) and includes a post portion 77 tomagnify effectiveness of operation. The arm 76 can comprise a ferrousmaterial.

A second moveable arm 78 of the solenoid actuator is also provided. Thearm 78 is moveable and is also made of ferrous material. Mounted on thearm is a sponge portion surrounded by an elastomer strip 79. Theelastomer strip 79 is of a generally arcuate cross-section and act as aleaf spring against the surface of the printhead ink supply cartridge 42(FIG. 5) so as to provide for a seal against the surface of theprinthead ink supply cartridge 42. In the quiescent position anelastomer spring unit 87, 88 acts to resiliently deform the elastomerseal 79 against the surface of the ink supply unit 42.

When it is desired to operate the printhead unit, upon the insertion ofpaper, the solenoid coil 75 is activated so as to cause the arm 78 tomove down to be adjacent to the end plate 76. The arm 78 is held againstend plate 76 while the printhead is printing by means of a small “keepercurrent” in coil 75. Simulation results indicate that the keeper currentcan be significantly less than the actuation current. Subsequently,after photo printing, the paper is guillotined by the cutting mechanism63 of FIG. 8 acting against Aluminium Strip 43, and rewound so as toclear the area of the re-capping mechanism 80. Subsequently, the currentis turned off and springs 87, 88 return the arm 78 so that the elastomerseal is again resting against the printhead ink supply cartridge.

It can be seen that the preferred embodiment provides for a simple andinexpensive means of re-capping a printhead through the utilisation of asolenoid type device having a long rectangular form. Further, thepreferred embodiment utilises minimal power in that currents are onlyrequired whilst the device is operational and additionally, only a lowkeeper current is required whilst the printhead is printing.

Turning next to FIGS. 13 and 14, FIG. 13 illustrates an explodedperspective of the ink supply cartridge 42 whilst FIG. 14 illustrates aclose up sectional view of a bottom of the ink supply cartridge with theprinthead unit in place. The ink supply cartridge 42 is based around apagewidth printhead 102 which comprises a long slither of silicon havinga series of holes etched on the back surface for the supply of ink to afront surface of the silicon wafer for subsequent ejection via a microelectro mechanical system. The form of ejection can be many differentforms such as those set out in the tables below.

Of course, many other inkjet technologies, as referred to the attachedtables below, can also be utilised when constructing a printhead unit102. The fundamental requirement of the ink supply cartridge 42 is thesupply of ink to a series of colour channels etched through the backsurface of the printhead 102. In the description of the preferredembodiment, it is assumed that a three colour printing process is to beutilised so as to provide full colour picture output. Hence, the printsupply unit includes three ink supply reservoirs being a cyan reservoir104, a magenta reservoir 105 and a yellow reservoir 106. Each of thesereservoirs is required to store ink and includes a corresponding spongetype material 107-109 which assists in stabilising ink within thecorresponding ink channel and inhibiting the ink from sloshing back andforth when the printhead is utilised in a handheld camera system. Thereservoirs 104, 105, 106 are formed through the mating of first exteriorplastic piece 110 and a second base piece 111.

At a first end 118 of the base piece 111 a series of air inlet 113-115are provided. Each air inlet leads to a corresponding winding channelwhich is hydrophobically treated so as to act as an ink repellent andtherefore repel any ink that may flow along the air inlet channel. Theair inlet channel further takes a convoluted path assisting in resistingany ink flow out of the chambers 104-106. An adhesive tape portion 117is provided for sealing the channels within end portion 118.

At the top end, there is included a series of refill holes (not shown)for refilling corresponding ink supply chambers 104, 105, 106. A plug121 is provided for sealing the refill holes.

Turning now to FIG. 14, there is illustrated a close up perspectiveview, partly in section through the ink supply cartridge 42 of FIG. 13when formed as a unit. The ink supply cartridge includes the threecolour ink reservoirs 104, 105, 106 which supply ink to differentportions of the back surface of printhead 102 which includes a series ofapertures 128 defined therein for carriage of the ink to the frontsurface.

The ink supply cartridge 42 includes two guide walls 124, 125 whichseparate the various ink chambers and are tapered into an end portionabutting the surface of the printhead 102. The guide walls 124, 125 arefurther mechanically supported by block portions eg. 126 which areplaced at regular intervals along the length of the ink supply unit. Theblock portions 126 leave space at portions close to the back ofprinthead 102 for the flow of ink around the back surface thereof.

The ink supply unit is preferably formed from a multi-part plasticinjection mould and the mould pieces eg. 110, 111 (FIG. 13) snaptogether around the sponge pieces 107, 109. Subsequently, a syringe typedevice can be inserted in the ink refill holes and the ink reservoirsfilled with ink with the air flowing out of the air outlets 113-115.Subsequently, the adhesive tape portion 117 and plug 121 are attachedand the printhead tested for operation capabilities. Subsequently, theink supply cartridge 42 can be readily removed for refilling by means ofremoving the ink supply cartridge, performing a washing cycle, and thenutilising the holes for the insertion of a refill syringe filled withink for refilling the ink chamber before returning the ink supplycartridge 42 to a camera.

Turning now to FIG. 15, there is shown an example layout of the ImageCapture and Processing integrated circuit (ICP) 48.

The Image Capture and Processing integrated circuit 48 provides most ofthe electronic functionality of the camera with the exception of theprint head integrated circuit. The integrated circuit 48 is a highlyintegrated system. It combines CMOS image sensing, analog to digitalconversion, digital image processing, DRAM storage, ROM, andmiscellaneous control functions in a single integrated circuit.

The integrated circuit is estimated to be around 32 mm² using a leadingedge 0.18 micron CMOS/DRAM/APS process. The integrated circuit size andcost can scale somewhat with Moore's law, but is dominated by a CMOSactive pixel sensor array 201, so scaling is limited as the sensorpixels approach the diffraction limit.

The ICP 48 includes CMOS logic, a CMOS image sensor, DRAM, and analogcircuitry. A very small amount of flash memory or other non-volatilememory is also preferably included for protection against reverseengineering.

Alternatively, the ICP can readily be divided into two integratedcircuits: one for the CMOS imaging array, and the other for theremaining circuitry. The cost of this two integrated circuit solutionshould not be significantly different than the single integrated circuitICP, as the extra cost of packaging and bond-pad area is somewhatcancelled by the reduced total wafer area requiring the color filterfabrication steps.

The ICP preferably contains the following functions:

Function 1.5 megapixel image sensor Analog Signal Processors Imagesensor column decoders Image sensor row decoders Analogue to DigitalConversion (ADC) Column ADC's Auto exposure 12 Mbits of DRAM DRAMAddress Generator Color interpolator Convolver Color ALU Halftone matrixROM Digital halftoning Print head interface 8 bit CPU core Program ROMFlash memory Scratchpad SRAM Parallel interface (8 bit) Motor drivetransistors (5) Clock PLL JTAG test interface Test circuits Busses Bondpads

The CPU, DRAM, Image sensor, ROM, Flash memory, Parallel interface, JTAGinterface and ADC can be vendor supplied cores. The ICP is intended torun on 1.5V to minimize power consumption and allow convenient operationfrom two AA type battery cells.

FIG. 15 illustrates a layout of the ICP 48. The ICP 48 is dominated bythe imaging array 201, which consumes around 80% of the integratedcircuit area. The imaging array is a CMOS 4 transistor active pixeldesign with a resolution of 1,500×1,000. The array can be divided intothe conventional configuration, with two green pixels, one red pixel,and one blue pixel in each pixel group. There are 750×500 pixel groupsin the imaging array.

The latest advances in the field of image sensing and CMOS image sensingin particular can be found in the October, 1997 issue of IEEETransactions on Electron Devices and, in particular, pages 1689 to 1968.Further, a specific implementation similar to that disclosed in thepresent application is disclosed in Wong et. al, “CMOS Active PixelImage Sensors Fabricated Using a 1.8V, 0.25 μm CMOS Technology”, IEDM1996, page 915

The imaging array uses a 4 transistor active pixel design of a standardconfiguration. To minimize integrated circuit area and therefore cost,the image sensor pixels should be as small as feasible with thetechnology available. With a four transistor cell, the typical pixelsize scales as 20 times the lithographic feature size. This allows aminimum pixel area of around 3.6 μm×3.6 μm. However, the photosite mustbe substantially above the diffraction limit of the lens. It is alsoadvantageous to have a square photosite, to maximize the margin over thediffraction limit in both horizontal and vertical directions. In thiscase, the photosite can be specified as 2.5 μm×2.5 μm. The photosite canbe a photogate, pinned photodiode, charge modulation device, or othersensor.

The four transistors are packed as an ‘L’ shape, rather than arectangular region, to allow both the pixel and the photosite to besquare. This reduces the transistor packing density slightly, increasingpixel size. However, the advantage in avoiding the diffraction limit isgreater than the small decrease in packing density.

The transistors also have a gate length which is longer than the minimumfor the process technology. These have been increased from a drawnlength of 0.18 micron to a drawn length of 0.36 micron. This is toimprove the transistor matching by making the variations in gate lengthrepresent a smaller proportion of the total gate length.

The extra gate length, and the ‘L’ shaped packing, mean that thetransistors use more area than the minimum for the technology. Normally,around 8 μm² would be required for rectangular packing. Preferably, 9.75μm² has been allowed for the transistors.

The total area for each pixel is 16 μm², resulting from a pixel size of4 μm×4 μm. With a resolution of 1,500×1,000, the area of the imagingarray 101 is 6,000 μm×4,000 μm, or 24 mm².

The presence of a color image sensor on the integrated circuit affectsthe process required in two major ways:

-   -   The CMOS fabrication process should be optimized to minimize        dark current

Color filters are required. These can be fabricated using dyedphotosensitive polyimides, resulting in an added process complexity ofthree spin coatings, three photolithographic steps, three developmentsteps, and three hardbakes.

There are 15,000 analog signal processors (ASPs) 205, one for each ofthe columns of the sensor. The ASPs amplify the signal, provide a darkcurrent reference, sample and hold the signal, and suppress the fixedpattern noise (FPN).

There are 375 analog to digital converters 206, one for each fourcolumns of the sensor array. These may be delta-sigma or successiveapproximation type ADC's. A row of low column ADC's are used to reducethe conversion speed required, and the amount of analog signaldegradation incurred before the signal is converted to digital. Thisalso eliminates the hot spot (affecting local dark current) and thesubstrate coupled noise that would occur if a single high speed ADC wasused. Each ADC also has two four bit DAC's which trim the offset andscale of the ADC to further reduce FPN variations between columns. TheseDAC's are controlled by data stored in flash memory during integratedcircuit testing.

The column select logic 204 is a 1:1500 decoder which enables theappropriate digital output of the ADCs onto the output bus. As each ADCis shared by four columns, the least significant two bits of the rowselect control 4 input analog multiplexors.

A row decoder 207 is a 1:1000 decoder which enables the appropriate rowof the active pixel sensor array. This selects which of the 1000 rows ofthe imaging array is connected to analog signal processors. As the rowsare always accessed in sequence, the row select logic can be implementedas a shift register.

An auto exposure system 208 adjusts the reference voltage of the ADC 205in response to the maximum intensity sensed during the previous frameperiod. Data from the green pixels is passed through a digital peakdetector. The peak value of the image frame period before capture (thereference frame) is provided to a digital to analogue converter (DAC),which generates the global reference voltage for the column ADCs. Thepeak detector is reset at the beginning of the reference frame. Theminimum and maximum values of the three RGB color components are alsocollected for color correction.

The second largest section of the integrated circuit is consumed by aDRAM 210 used to hold the image. To store the 1,500×1,000 image from thesensor without compression, 1.5 Mbytes of DRAM 210 are required. Thisequals 12 Mbits, or slightly less than 5% of a 256 Mbit DRAM. The DRAMtechnology assumed is of the 256 Mbit generation implemented using 0.18μm CMOS.

Using a standard 8F cell, the area taken by the memory array is 3.11mm². When row decoders, column sensors, redundancy, and other factorsare taken into account, the DRAM requires around 4 mm².

This DRAM 210 can be mostly eliminated if analog storage of the imagesignal can be accurately maintained in the CMOS imaging array for thetwo seconds required to print the photo. However, digital storage of theimage is preferable as it is maintained without degradation, isinsensitive to noise, and allows copies of the photo to be printedconsiderably later.

A DRAM address generator 211 provides the write and read addresses tothe DRAM 210. Under normal operation, the write address is determined bythe order of the data read from the CMOS image sensor 201. This willtypically be a simple raster format. However, the data can be read fromthe sensor 201 in any order, if matching write addresses to the DRAM aregenerated. The read order from the DRAM 210 will normally simply matchthe requirements of a color interpolator and the print head. As thecyan, magenta, and yellow rows of the print head are necessarily offsetby a few pixels to allow space for nozzle actuators, the colors are notread from the DRAM simultaneously. However, there is plenty of time toread all of the data from the DRAM many times during the printingprocess. This capability is used to eliminate the need for FIFOs in theprint head interface, thereby saving integrated circuit area. All threeRGB image components can be read from the DRAM each time color data isrequired. This allows a color space converter to provide a moresophisticated conversion than a simple linear RGB to CMY conversion.

Also, to allow two dimensional filtering of the image data withoutrequiring line buffers, data is re-read from the DRAM array.

The address generator may also implement image effects in certain modelsof camera. For example, passport photos are generated by a manipulationof the read addresses to the DRAM. Also, image framing effects (wherethe central image is reduced), image warps, and kaleidoscopic effectscan all be generated by manipulating the read addresses of the DRAM.

While the address generator 211 may be implemented with substantialcomplexity if effects are built into the standard integrated circuit,the integrated circuit area required for the address generator is small,as it consists only of address counters and a moderate amount of randomlogic.

A color interpolator 214 converts the interleaved pattern of red, 2×green, and blue pixels into RGB pixels. It consists of three 8 bitadders and associated registers. The divisions are by either 2 (forgreen) or 4 (for red and blue) so they can be implemented as fixedshifts in the output connections of the adders.

A convolver 215 is provided as a sharpening filter which applies a smallconvolution kernel (5×5) to the red, green, and blue planes of theimage. The convolution kernel for the green plane is different from thatof the red and blue planes, as green has twice as many samples. Thesharpening filter has five functions:

-   -   To improve the color interpolation from the linear interpolation        provided by the color interpolator, to a close approximation of        a sinc interpolation.    -   To compensate for the image ‘softening’ which occurs during        digitization.    -   To adjust the image sharpness to match average consumer        preferences, which are typically for the image to be slightly        sharper than reality. As the single use camera is intended as a        consumer product, and not a professional photographic products,        the processing can match the most popular settings, rather than        the most accurate.    -   To suppress the sharpening of high frequency (individual pixel)        noise. The function is similar to the ‘unsharp mask’ process.    -   To antialias Image Warping.

These functions are all combined into a single convolution matrix. Asthe pixel rate is low (less than 1 Mpixel per second) the total numberof multiplies required for the three color channels is 56 millionmultiplies per second. This can be provided by a single multiplier.Fifty bytes of coefficient ROM are also required.

A color ALU 113 combines the functions of color compensation and colorspace conversion into the one matrix multiplication, which is applied toevery pixel of the frame. As with sharpening, the color correctionshould match the most popular settings, rather than the most accurate.

A color compensation circuit of the color ALU provides compensation forthe lighting of the photo. The vast majority of photographs aresubstantially improved by a simple color compensation, whichindependently normalizes the contrast and brightness of the three colorcomponents.

A color look-up table (CLUT) 212 is provided for each color component.These are three separate 256×8 SRAMs, requiring a total of 6,144 bits.The CLUTs are used as part of the color correction process. They arealso used for color special effects, such as stochastically selected“wild color” effects.

A color space conversion system of the color ALU converts from the RGBcolor space of the image sensor to the CMY color space of the printer.The simplest conversion is a 1's complement of the RGB data. However,this simple conversion assumes perfect linearity of both color spaces,and perfect dye spectra for both the color filters of the image sensor,and the ink dyes. At the other extreme is a tri-linear interpolation ofa sampled three dimensional arbitrary transform table. This caneffectively match any non-linearity or differences in either colorspace. Such a system is usually necessary to obtain good color spaceconversion when the print engine is a color electrophotographic

However, since the non-linearity of a halftoned ink jet output is verysmall, a simpler system can be used. A simple matrix multiply canprovide excellent results. This requires nine multiplies and sixadditions per contone pixel. However, since the contone pixel rate islow (less than 1 Mpixel/sec) these operations can share a singlemultiplier and adder. The multiplier and adder are used in a color ALUwhich is shared with the color compensation function.

Digital halftoning can be performed as a dispersed dot ordered ditherusing a stochastic optimized dither cell. A halftone matrix ROM 216 isprovided for storing dither cell coefficients. A dither cell size of32×32 is adequate to ensure that the cell repeat cycle is not visible.The three colors—cyan, magenta, and yellow—are all dithered using thesame cell, to ensure maximum co-positioning of the ink dots. Thisminimizes ‘muddying’ of the mid-tones which results from bleed of dyesfrom one dot to adjacent dots while still wet. The total ROM sizerequired is 1 KByte, as the one ROM is shared by the halftoning unitsfor each of the three colors.

The digital halftoning used is dispersed dot ordered dither withstochastic optimized dither matrix. While dithering does not produce animage quite as ‘sharp’ as error diffusion, it does produce a moreaccurate image with fewer artifacts. The image sharpening produced byerror diffusion is artificial, and less controllable and accurate than‘unsharp mask’ filtering performed in the contone domain. The high printresolution (1,600 dpi×1,600 dpi) results in excellent quality when usinga well formed stochastic dither matrix.

Digital halftoning is performed by a digital halftoning unit 217 using asimple comparison between the contone information from the DRAM 210 andthe contents of the dither matrix 216. During the halftone process, theresolution of the image is changed from the 250 dpi of the capturedcontone image to the 1,600 dpi of the printed image. Each contone pixelis converted to an average of 40.96 halftone dots.

The ICP incorporates a 16 bit microcontroller CPU core 219 to run themiscellaneous camera functions, such as reading the buttons, controllingthe motor and solenoids, setting up the hardware, and authenticating therefill station. The processing power required by the CPU is very modest,and a wide variety of processor cores can be used. As the entire CPUprogram is run from a small ROM 220[.], program compatibility betweencamera versions is not important, as no external programs are run. A 2Mbit (256 Kbyte) program and data ROM 220 is included on integratedcircuit. Most of this ROM space is allocated to data for outlinegraphics and fonts for specialty cameras. The program requirements areminor. The single most complex task is the encrypted authentication ofthe refill station. The ROM requires a single transistor per bit.

A Flash memory 221 may be used to store a 128 bit authentication code.This provides higher security than storage of the authentication code inROM, as reverse engineering can be made essentially impossible. TheFlash memory is completely covered by third level metal, making the dataimpossible to extract using scanning probe microscopes or electronbeams. The authentication code is stored in the integrated circuit whenmanufactured. At least two other Flash bits are required for theauthentication process: a bit which locks out reprogramming of theauthentication code, and a bit which indicates that the camera has beenrefilled by an authenticated refill station. The flash memory can alsobe used to store FPN correction data for the imaging array.Additionally, a phase locked loop rescaling parameter is stored forscaling the clocking cycle to an appropriate correct time. The clockfrequency does not require crystal accuracy since no date functions areprovided. To eliminate the cost of a crystal, an on integrated circuitoscillator with a phase locked loop 224 is used. As the frequency of anon-integrated circuit oscillator is highly variable from integratedcircuit to integrated circuit, the frequency ratio of the oscillator tothe PLL is digitally trimmed during initial testing. The value is storedin Flash memory 221. This allows the clock PLL to control the ink-jetheater pulse width with sufficient accuracy.

A scratchpad SRAM is a small static RAM 222 with a 6T cell. Thescratchpad provided temporary memory for the 16 bit CPU. 1024 bytes isadequate.

A print head interface 223 formats the data correctly for the printhead. The print head interface also provides all of the timing signalsrequired by the print head. These timing signals may vary depending upontemperature, the number of dots printed simultaneously, the print mediumin the print roll, and the dye density of the ink in the print roll.

The following is a table of external connections to the print headinterface:

Connection Function Pins DataBits[0-7] Independent serial data to theeight 8 segments of the print head BitClock Main data clock for theprint head 1 ColorEnable[0-2] Independent enable signals for the 3 CMYactuators, allowing different pulse times for each color.BankEnable[0-1] Allows either simultaneous or 2 interleaved actuation oftwo banks of nozzles. This allows two different print speed/powerconsumption tradeoffs NozzleSelect[0-4] Selects one of 32 banks ofnozzles 5 for simultaneous actuation ParallelXferClock Loads theparallel transfer register with 1 the data from the shift registersTotal 20 

The print head utilized is composed of eight identical segments, each1.25 cm long. There is no connection between the segments on the printhead integrated circuit. Any connections required are made in theexternal TAB bonding film, which is double sided. The division intoeight identical segments is to simplify lithography using wafersteppers. The segment width of 1.25 cm fits easily into a stepper field.As the print head integrated circuit is long and narrow (10 cm×0.3 mm),the stepper field contains a single segment of 32 print head integratedcircuits. The stepper field is therefore 1.25 cm×1.6 cm. An average offour complete print heads are patterned in each wafer step.

A single BitClock output line connects to all 8 segments on the printhead. The 8 DataBits lines lead one to each segment, and are clockedinto the 8 segments on the print head simultaneously (on a BitClockpulse). For example, dot 0 is transferred to segments, dot 750 istransferred to segment, dot 1500 to segment₂ etc simultaneously.

The ParallelXferClock is connected to each of the 8 segments on theprint head, so that on a single pulse, all segments transfer their bitsat the same time.

The NozzleSelect, BankEnable and ColorEnable lines are connected to eachof the 8 segments, allowing the print head interface to independentlycontrol the duration of the cyan, magenta, and yellow nozzle energizingpulses. Registers in the Print Head Interface allow the accuratespecification of the pulse duration between 0 and 6 ms, with a typicalduration of 2 ms to 3 ms.

A parallel interface 125 connects the ICP to individual staticelectrical signals. The CPU is able to control each of these connectionsas memory mapped I/O via a low speed bus.

The following is a table of connections to the parallel interface:

Connection Direction Pins Paper transport stepper motor Output 4 Cappingsolenoid Output 1 Copy LED Output 1 Photo button Input 1 Copy buttonInput 1 Total 8

Seven high current drive transistors eg. 227 are required. Four are forthe four phases of the main stepper motor, two are for the guillotinemotor, and the remaining transistor is to drive the capping solenoid.These transistors are allocated 20,000 square microns (600,000 F) each.As the transistors are driving highly inductive loads, they must eitherbe turned off slowly, or be provided with a high level of back EMFprotection. If adequate back EMF protection cannot be provided using theintegrated circuit process chosen, then external discrete transistorsshould be used. The transistors are never driven at the same time as theimage sensor is used. This is to avoid voltage fluctuations and hotspots affecting the image quality. Further, the transistors are locatedas far away from the sensor as possible.

A standard JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) interface 228 is included inthe ICP for testing purposes and for interrogation by the refillstation. Due to the complexity of the integrated circuit, a variety oftesting techniques are required, including BIST (Built In Self Test) andfunctional block isolation. An overhead of 10% in integrated circuitarea is assumed for integrated circuit testing circuitry for the randomlogic portions. The overhead for the large arrays the image sensor andthe DRAM is smaller.

The JTAG interface is also used for authentication of the refillstation. This is included to ensure that the cameras are only refilledwith quality paper and ink at a properly constructed refill station,thus preventing inferior quality refills from occurring. The camera mustauthenticate the refill station, rather than vice versa. The secureprotocol is communicated to the refill station during the automated testprocedure. Contact is made to four gold plated spots on the ICP/printhead TAB by the refill station as the new ink is injected into the printhead.

FIG. 16 illustrates a rear view of the next step in the constructionprocess whilst FIG. 17 illustrates a front view.

Turning now to FIG. 16, the assembly of the camera system proceeds viafirst assembling the ink supply mechanism 40. The flex PCB isinterconnected with batteries 84 only one of which is shown, which areinserted in the middle portion of a print roll 85 which is wrappedaround a plastic former 86. An end cap 89 is provided at the other endof the print roll 85 so as to fasten the print roll and batteries firmlyto the ink supply mechanism.

The solenoid coil is interconnected (not shown) to interconnects 97, 98(FIG. 8) which include leaf spring ends for interconnection withelectrical contacts on the Flex PCB so as to provide for electricalcontrol of the solenoid.

Turning now to FIGS. 17-19 the next step in the construction process isthe insertion of the relevant gear trains into the side of the camerachassis. FIG. 17 illustrates a front view, FIG. 18 illustrates a rearview and FIG. 19 also illustrates a rear view. The first gear traincomprising gear wheels 22, 23 is utilised for driving the guillotineblade with the gear wheel 23 engaging the gear wheel 65 of FIG. 8. Thesecond gear train comprising gear wheels 24, 25 and 26 engage one end ofthe print roller 61 of FIG. 8. As best indicated in FIG. 18, the gearwheels mate with corresponding pins on the surface of the chassis withthe gear wheel 26 being snap fitted into corresponding mating hole 27.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the assembled platen unit 60 is theninserted between the print roll 85 and aluminium cutting blade 43.

Turning now to FIG. 21, by way of illumination, there is illustrated theelectrically interactive components of the camera system. As notedpreviously, the components are based around a Flex PCB board and includea TAB film 58 which interconnects the printhead 102 with the imagesensor and processing integrated circuit 48. Power is supplied by two AAtype batteries 83, 84 and a paper drive stepper motor 16 is provided inaddition to a rotary guillotine motor 17.

An optical element 31 is provided for snapping into a top portion of thechassis 12. The optical element 31 includes portions defining an opticalview finder 32, 33 which are slotted into mating portions 35, 36 in viewfinder channel 37. Also provided in the optical element 31 is a lensingsystem 38 for magnification of the prints left number in addition to anoptical pipe element 39 for piping light from the LED 5 for externaldisplay.

Turning next to FIG. 22, the assembled unit 90 is then inserted into afront outer case 91 which includes button 4 for activation of printouts.

Turning now to FIG. 23, next, the unit 90 is provided with a snap-onback cover 93 which includes a slot 6 and copy print button 7. A wrapperlabel containing instructions and advertising (not shown) is thenwrapped around the outer surface of the camera system and pinch clampedto the cover by means of clamp strip 96 which can comprise a flexibleplastic or rubber strip.

Subsequently, the preferred embodiment is ready for use as a one timeuse camera system that provides for instant output images on demand. Itwill be evident that the preferred embodiment further provides for arefillable camera system. A used camera can be collected and its outerplastic cases removed and recycled. A new paper roll and batteries canbe added and the ink cartridge refilled. A series of automatic testroutines can then be carried out to ensure that the printer is properlyoperational. Further, in order to ensure only authorised refills areconducted so as to enhance quality, routines in the on-integratedcircuit program ROM can be executed such that the camera authenticatesthe refilling station using a secure protocol. Upon authentication, thecamera can reset an internal paper count and an external case can befitted on the camera system with a new outer label. Subsequent packingand shipping can then take place.

It will be further readily evident to those skilled in the art that theprogram ROM can be modified so as to allow for a variety of digitalprocessing routines. In addition to the digitally enhanced photographsoptimised for mainstream consumer preferences, various other models canreadily be provided through mere re-programming of the program ROM. Forexample, a sepia classic old fashion style output can be providedthrough a remapping of the colour mapping function. A furtheralternative is to provide for black and white outputs again through asuitable colour remapping algorithm. Minimum colour can also be providedto add a touch of colour to black and white prints to produce the effectthat was traditionally used to colourize black and white photos.Further, passport photo output can be provided through suitable addressremappings within the address generators. Further, edge filters can beutilised as is known in the field of image processing to producesketched art styles. Further, classic wedding borders and designs can beplaced around an output image in addition to the provision of relevantclip arts. For example, a wedding style camera might be provided.Further, a panoramic mode can be provided so as to output the well knownpanoramic format of images. Further, a postcard style output can beprovided through the printing of postcards including postage on the backof a print roll surface. Further, cliparts can be provided for specialevents such as Halloween, Christmas etc. Further, kaleidoscopic effectscan be provided through address remappings and wild colour effects canbe provided through remapping of the colour lookup table. Many otherforms of special event cameras can be provided for example, camerasdedicated to the Olympics, movie tie-ins, advertising and other specialevents.

The operational mode of the camera can be programmed so that upon thedepressing of the take photo a first image is sampled by the sensorarray to determine irrelevant parameters. Next a second image is againcaptured which is utilised for the output. The captured image is thenmanipulated in accordance with any special requirements before beinginitially output on the paper roll. The LED light is then activated fora predetermined time during which the DRAM is refreshed so as to retainthe image. If the print copy button is depressed during thispredetermined time interval, a further copy of the photo is output.After the predetermined time interval where no use of the camera hasoccurred, the onboard CPU shuts down all power to the camera systemuntil such time as the take button is again activated. In this way,substantial power savings can be realized.

Ink Jet Technologies

The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Ofcourse many different devices could be used. However presently popularink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.

The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption.This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stemsfrom the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves therapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink.Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermalinkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, fromelectricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.

The most significant problem with piezoelectric inkjet is size and cost.Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonable drivevoltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle. Also, eachpiezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuit on aseparate substrate. This is not a significant problem at the currentlimit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a major impediment tothe fabrication of pagewide print heads with 19,200 nozzles.

Ideally, the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements ofin-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, lowcost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digitalphotography, new inkjet technologies have been created. The targetfeatures include:

low power (less than 10 Watts)

high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)

photographic quality output

low manufacturing cost

small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)

high speed (<2 seconds per page).

All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systemsdescribed below with differing levels of difficulty. 45 different inkjettechnologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a wide range ofchoices for high volume manufacture. These technologies form part ofseparate applications assigned to the present Assignee as set out in thetable below.

The inkjet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digitalprinting systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras,through to desktop and network printers, and through to commercialprinting systems

For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the print headis designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS integrated circuit withMEMS post processing. For color photographic applications, the printhead is 100 mm long, with a width which depends upon the inkjet type.The smallest print head designed is IJ38, which is 0.35 mm wide, givinga integrated circuit area of 35 square mm. The print heads each contain19,200 nozzles plus data and control circuitry.

Ink is supplied to the back of the print head by injection moldedplastic ink channels. The molding requires 50 micron features, which canbe created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standardinjection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the waferto the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. Theprint head is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automatedbonding.

CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS

The following table is a guide to cross-referenced patent applicationsfiled concurrently herewith and discussed hereinafter with the referencebeing utilized in subsequent tables when referring to a particular case:

Docket No. Reference Title IJ01US IJ01 Radiant Plunger Ink Jet PrinterIJ02US IJ02 Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer IJ03US IJ03 PlanarThermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet IJ04US IJ04 Stacked ElectrostaticInk Jet Printer IJ05US IJ05 Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printer IJ06USIJ06 Paddle Type Ink Jet Printer IJ07US IJ07 Permanent MagnetElectromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ08US IJ08 Planar Swing GrillElectromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ09US IJ09 Pump Action Refill Ink JetPrinter IJ10US IJ10 Pulsed Magnetic Field Ink Jet Printer IJ11US IJ11Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ12US IJ12Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ13US IJ13 Gear Driven ShutterInk Jet Printer IJ14US IJ14 Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic InkJet Printer IJ15US IJ15 Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink JetPrinter IJ16US IJ16 Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet PrinterIJ17US IJ17 PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating Pressure Ink JetPrinter IJ18US IJ18 Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet PrinterIJ19US IJ19 Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer IJ20US IJ20 Curling CalyxThermoelastic Ink Jet Printer IJ21US IJ21 Thermal Actuated Ink JetPrinter IJ22US IJ22 Iris Motion Ink Jet Printer IJ23US IJ23 DirectFiring Thermal Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ24US IJ24 Conductive PTFEBen Activator Vented Ink Jet Printer IJ25US IJ25 Magnetostrictive InkJet Printer IJ26US IJ26 Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printer IJ27US IJ27Buckle Plate Ink Jet Printer IJ28US IJ28 Thermal Elastic Rotary ImpellerInk Jet Printer IJ29US IJ29 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet PrinterIJ30US IJ30 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and Corrugated CopperInk Jet Printer IJ31US IJ31 Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink JetPrinter IJ32US IJ32 A High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink Jet PrinterIJ33US IJ33 Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall ink jet printerIJ34US IJ34 Ink Jet Printer having a thermal actuator comprising anexternal coiled spring IJ35US IJ35 Trough Container Ink Jet PrinterIJ36US IJ36 Dual Chamber Single Vertical Actuator Ink Jet IJ37US IJ37Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum Actuator Ink Jet IJ38US IJ38 DualNozzle Single Horizontal Actuator Ink Jet IJ39US IJ39 A single bendactuator cupped paddle ink jet printing device IJ40US IJ40 A thermallyactuated ink jet printer having a series of thermal actuator unitsIJ41US IJ41 A thermally actuated ink jet printer including a taperedheater element IJ42US IJ42 Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink JetIJ43US IJ43 Inverted Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ44USIJ44 Surface bend actuator vented ink supply ink jet printer IJ45US IJ45Coil Acutuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet Printer

Tables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets

Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation ofindividual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristicsare largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an elevendimensional matrix. Most of the eleven axes of this matrix includeentries developed by the present assignee.

The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table ofinkjet types.

Actuator mechanism (18 types)

Basic operation mode (7 types)

Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)

Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)

Actuator motion (19 types)

Nozzle refill method (4 types)

Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)

Nozzle clearing method (9 types)

Nozzle plate construction (9 types)

Drop ejection direction (5 types)

Ink type (7 types)

The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all ofthe possible combinations result in a viable inkjet technology, manymillion configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical toelucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjettypes have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJ01 toIJ45 above.

Other inkjet configurations can readily be derived from these 45examples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more ofthe 11 axes. Most of the IJ01 to IJ45 examples can be made into inkjetprint heads with characteristics superior to any currently availableinkjet technology.

Where there are prior art examples known to the inventor, one or more ofthese examples are listed in the examples column of the tables below.The IJ01 to IJ45 series are also listed in the examples column. In somecases, a printer may be listed more than once in a table, where itshares characteristics with more than one entry.

Suitable applications include: Home printers, Office network printers,Short run digital printers, Commercial print systems, Fabric printers,Pocket printers, Internet WWW printers, Video printers, Medical imaging,Wide format printers, Notebook PC printers, Fax machines, Industrialprinting systems, Photocopiers, Photographic minilabs etc.

The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrixare set out in the following tables.

ACTUATOR MECHANISM (APPLIED ONLY TO SELECTED INK DROPS) ActuatorMechanism Description Advantages Thermal An electrothermal heater heatsthe ink to 1) Large force generated bubble above boiling point, 2)Simple construction transferring significant heat to the 3) No movingparts aqueous ink. A bubble nucleates 4) Fast operation and quicklyforms, expelling the 5) Small integrated circuit ink. area required foractuator The efficiency of the process is low, with typically less than0.05% of the electrical energy being transformed into kinetic energy ofthe drop. Piezoelectric A piezoelectric crystal such as 19) Low powerlead lanthanum zirconate (PZT) is consumption electrically activated,and either 20) Many ink types can expands, shears, or bends to apply beused pressure to the ink, ejecting drops. 21) Fast operation 22) Highefficiency Electro- An electric field is used to 34) Low power strictiveactivate electrostriction in relaxor consumption materials such as leadlanthanum 35) Many ink types can zirconate titanate (PLZT) or lead beused magnesium niobate (PMN). 36) Low thermal expansion 37) Electricfield strength required (approx. 3.5 V/μm) can be generated withoutdifficulty 38) Does not require electrical poling Ferroelectric Anelectric field is used to induce 46) Low power a phase transitionbetween the consumption antiferroelectric (AFE) and 47) Many ink typescan ferroelectric (FE) phase. be used Perovskite materials such as tin48) Fast operation (<1 μs) modified lead lanthanum 49) Relatively highzirconate titanate (PLZSnT) longitudinal strain exhibit large strains ofup to 1% 50) High efficiency associated with the AFE to FE 51) Electricfield phase transition. strength of around 3 V/μm can be readilyprovided Electrostatic Conductive plates are separated 56) Low powerplates by a compressible or fluid consumption dielectric (usually air).Upon 57) Many ink types can application of a voltage, the plates be usedattract each other and displace 58) Fast operation ink, causing dropejection. The conductive plates may be in a comb or honeycomb structure,or stacked to increase the surface area and therefore the force.Electrostatic A strong electric field is applied 65) Low current pull onink to the ink, whereupon electrostatic consumption attractionaccelerates the ink 66) Low temperature towards the print medium.Permanent An electromagnet directly attracts 75) Low power magnetelectro- a permanent magnet, displacing consumption magnetic ink andcausing drop ejection. 76) Many ink types can Rare earth magnets with afield be used strength around 1 Tesla can be 77) Fast operation used.Examples are: Samarium 78) High efficiency Cobalt (SaCo) and magnetic79) Easy extension from materials in the neodymium iron single nozzlesto boron family (NdFeB, pagewidth print heads NdDyFeBNb, NdDyFeB, etc)Soft magnetic A solenoid induced a magnetic 87) Low power core electro-field in a soft magnetic core or consumption magnetic yoke fabricatedfrom a ferrous 88) Many ink types can material such as electroplatediron be used alloys such as CoNiFe [1], CoFe, 89) Fast operation or NiFealloys. Typically, the soft 90) High efficiency magnetic material is intwo parts, 91) Easy extension from which are normally held apart bysingle nozzles to a spring. When the solenoid is pagewidth print headsactuated, the two parts attract, displacing the ink. Magnetic The Lorenzforce acting on a 100) Low power Lorenz force current carrying wire in aconsumption magnetic field is utilized. 101) Many ink types can Thisallows the magnetic field to be used be supplied externally to the print102) Fast operation head, for example with rare earth 103) Highefficiency permanent magnets. 104) Easy extension from Only the currentcarrying wire single nozzles to need be fabricated on the print-pagewidth print heads head, simplifying materials requirements. Magneto-The actuator uses the giant 111) Many ink types can strictionmagnetostrictive effect of be used materials such as Terfenol-D (an 112)Fast operation alloy of terbium, dysprosium and 113) Easy extension fromiron developed at the Naval single nozzles to Ordnance Laboratory, henceTer- pagewidth print heads Fe-NOL). For best efficiency, the 114) Highforce is actuator should be pre-stressed to available approx. 8 MPa.Surface tension Ink under positive pressure is held 122) Low powerreduction in a nozzle by surface tension. consumption The surfacetension of the ink is 123) Simple construction reduced below the bubble124) No unusual materials threshold, causing the ink to required infabrication egress from the nozzle. 125) High efficiency 126) Easyextension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Viscosity The inkviscosity is locally 131) Simple construction reduction reduced toselect which drops are 132) No unusual materials to be ejected. Aviscosity required in fabrication reduction can be achieved 133) Easyextension from electrothermally with most inks, single nozzles to butspecial inks can be engineered pagewidth print heads for a 100:1viscosity reduction. Acoustic An acoustic wave is generated and 140) Canoperate without focussed upon the drop ejection a nozzle plate region.Thermoelastic An actuator which relies upon 148) Low power bend actuatordifferential thermal expansion consumption upon Joule heating is used.149) Many ink types can be used 150) Simple planar fabrication 151)Small integrated circuit area required for each actuator 152) Fastoperation 153) High efficiency 154) CMOS compatible voltages andcurrents 155) Standard MEMS processes can be used 156) Easy extensionfrom single nozzles to pagewidth prin theads High CTE A material with avery high 167) High force can be thermoelastic coefficient of thermalexpansion generated actuator (CTE) such as 168) PTFE is a candidatepolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is for low dielectric constant used. Ashigh CTE materials are insulation in ULSI usually non-conductive, aheater 169) Very low power fabricated from a conductive consumptionmaterial is incorporated. A 50 μm 170) Many ink types can long PTFE bendactuator with be used polysilicon heater and 15 mW 171) Simple planarpower input can provide 180 μN fabrication force and 10 μm deflection.172) Small integrated Actuator motions include: circuit area requiredfor Bend each actuator Push 173) Fast operation Buckle 174) Highefficiency Rotate 175) CMOS compatible voltages and currents 176) Easyextension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Conductive Apolymer with a high coefficient 185) High force can be polymer ofthermal expansion (such as generated thermoelastic PTFE) is doped withconducting 186) Very low power actuator substances to increase itsconsumption conductivity to about 3 orders of 187) Many ink types canmagnitude below that of copper. be used The conducting polymer expands188) Simple planar when resistively heated. fabrication Examples ofconducting dopants 189) Small integrated include: circuit area requiredfor Carbon nanotubes each actuator Metal fibers 190) Fast operationConductive polymers such as 191) High efficiency doped polythiophene192) CMOS compatible Carbon granules voltages and currents 193) Easyextension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Shape memory Ashape memory alloy such as 200) High force is alloy TiNi (also known asNitinol - available (stresses of Nickel Titanium alloy developedhundreds of MPa) at the Naval Ordnance 201) Large strain is Laboratory)is thermally switched available (more than 3%) between its weakmartensitic state 202) High corrosion and its high stiffness austenicresistance state. The shape of the actuator in 203) Simple constructionits martensitic state is deformed 204) Easy extension from relative tothe austenic shape. The single nozzles to shape change causes ejectionof a pagewidth print heads drop. 205) Low voltage operation LinearLinear magnetic actuators include 214) Linear Magnetic Magnetic theLinear Induction Actuator actuators can be Actuator (LIA), LinearPermanent Magnet constructed with high Synchronous Actuator (LPMSA),thrust, long travel, and Linear Reluctance Synchronous high efficiencyusing Actuator (LRSA), Linear planar semiconductor Switched ReluctanceActuator fabrication techniques (LSRA), and the Linear Stepper 215) Longactuator travel Actuator (LSA). is available 216) Medium force isavailable 217) Low voltage operation Actuator Mechanism DisadvantagesExamples Thermal 6) High power 16) Canon bubble 7) Ink carrier limitedto water Bubblejet 1979 8) Low efficiency Endo et al GB 9) Hightemperatures required patent 2,007,162 10) High mechanical stress 17)Xerox heater- 11) Unusual materials required in-pit 1990 12) Large drivetransistors Hawkins et al U.S. Pat. No. 13) Cavitation causes actuator4,899,181 failure 18) Hewlett- 14) Kogation reduces bubble Packard TIJ1982 formation Vaught et al U.S. Pat. No. 15) Large print heads aredifficult 4,490,728 to fabricate Piezoelectric 23) Very large arearequired for 28) Kyser et al actuator U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,398 24)Difficult to integrate with 29) Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. electronics3,683,212 25) High voltage drive transistors 30) 1973 Stemme requiredU.S. Pat. No. 3,747,120 26) Full pagewidth print heads 31) Epson Stylusimpractical due to actuator size 32) Tektronix 27) Requires electricalpoling in 33) IJ04 high field strengths during manufacture Electro- 39)Low maximum strain (approx. 44) Seiko Epson, strictive 0.01%) Usui etall JP 40) Large area required for 253401/96 actuator due to low strain45) IJ04 41) Response speed is marginal (~10 μs) 42) High voltage drivetransistors required 43) Full pagewidth print heads impractical due toactuator size Ferroelectric 52) Difficult to integrate with 55) IJ04electronics 53) Unusual materials such as PLZSnT are required 54)Actuators require a large area Electrostatic 59) Difficult to operate64) IJ02, IJ04 plates electrostatic devices in an aqueous environment60) The electrostatic actuator will normally need to be separated fromthe ink 61) Very large area required to achieve high forces 62) Highvoltage drive transistors may be required 63) Full pagewidth print headsare not competitive due to actuator size Electrostatic 67) High voltagerequired 72) 1989 Saito et pull on ink 68) May be damaged by sparks dueal, U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,068 to air breakdown 73) 1989 Miura et 69)Required field strength al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,954 increases as thedrop size decreases 74) Tone-jet 70) High voltage drive transistorsrequired 71) Electrostatic field attracts dust Permanent 80) Complexfabrication 86) IJ07, IJ10 magnet electro- 81) Permanent magneticmaterial magnetic such as Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) required. 82)High local currents required 83) Copper metalization should be used forlong electromigration lifetime and low resistivity 84) Pigmented inksare usually infeasible 85) Operating temperature limited to the Curietemperature (around 540 K) Soft magnetic 92) Complex fabrication 98)IJ01, IJ05, core electro- 93) Materials not usually present in IJ08,IJ10 magnetic a CMOS fab such as NiFe, CoNiFe, 99) IJ12, IJ14, or CoFeare required IJ15, IJ17 94) High local currents required 95) Coppermetalization should be used for long electromigration lifetime and lowresistivity 96) Electroplating is required 97) High saturation fluxdensity is required (2.0-2.1 T is achievable with CoNiFe [1]) Magnetic105) Force acts as a twisting motion 110) IJ06, IJ11, Lorenz force 106)Typically, only a quarter of the IJ13, IJ16 solenoid length providesforce in a useful direction 107) High local currents required 108)Copper metalization should be used for long electromigration lifetimeand low resistivity 109) Pigmented inks are usually infeasible Magneto-115) Force acts as a twisting motion 120) Fischenbeck, striction 116)Unusual materials such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,032,929 Terfenol-D arerequired 121) IJ25 117) High local currents required 118) Coppermetalization should be used for long electromigration lifetime and lowresistivity 119) Pre-stressing may be required Surface tension 127)Requires supplementary force 130) Silverbrook, reduction to effect dropseparation EP 0771 658 A2 128) Requires special ink and related patentsurfactants applications 129) Speed may be limited by surfactantproperties Viscosity 134) Requires supplementary force 139) Silverbrook,reduction to effect drop separation EP 0771 658 A2 135) Requires specialink viscosity and related patent properties applications 136) High speedis difficult to achieve 137) Requires oscillating ink pressure 138) Ahigh temperature difference (typically 80 degrees) is required Acoustic141) Complex drive circuitry 146) 1993 142) Complex fabricationHadimioglu et al, 143) Low efficiency EUP 550,192 144) Poor control ofdrop position 147) 1993 Elrod et 145) Poor control of drop volume al,EUP 572,220 Thermoelastic 157) Efficient aqueous operation 160) IJ03,IJ09, bend actuator requires a thermal insulator on the IJ17, 1J18 hotside 161) IJ19, IJ20, 158) Corrosion prevention can be IJ21, IJ22difficult 162) IJ23, IJ24, 159) Pigmented inks may be IJ27, IJ28infeasible, as pigment particles may 163) IJ29, IJ30, jam the bendactuator IJ31, IJ32 164) IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 165) IJ37, IJ38, IJ39,IJ40 166) IJ41 High CTE 177) Requires special material (e.g. 181) IJ09,IJ17, thermoelastic PTFE) IJ18, IJ20 actuator 178) Requires a PTFEdeposition 182) IJ21, IJ22, process, which is not yet standard in IJ23,IJ24 ULSI fabs 183) IJ27, IJ28, 179) PTFE deposition cannot be IJ29,IJ30 followed with high temperature 184) IJ31, IJ42, (above 350° C.)processing IJ43, IJ44 180) Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as pigmentparticles may jam the bend actuator Conductive 194) Requires specialmaterials 199) IJ24 polymer development (High CTE conductivethermoelastic polymer) actuator 195) Requires a PTFE deposition process,which is not yet standard in ULSI fabs 196) PTFE deposition cannot befollowed with high temperature (above 350° C.) processing 197)Evaporation and CVD deposition techniques cannot be used 198) Pigmentedinks may be infeasible, as pigment particles may jam the bend actuatorShape memory 206) Fatigue limits maximum 213) IJ26 alloy number ofcycles 207) Low strain (1%) is required to extend fatigue resistance208) Cycle rate limited by heat removal 209) Requires unusual materials(TiNi) 210) The latent heat of transformation must be provided 211) Highcurrent operation 212) Requires pre-stressing to distort the martensiticstate Linear 218) Requires unusual 222) IJ12 Magnetic semiconductormaterials such as Actuator soft magnetic alloys (e.g. CoNiFe [1]) 219)Some varieties also require permanent magnetic materials such asNeodymium iron boron (NdFeB) 220) Requires complex multi-phase drivecircuitry 221) High current operation

BASIC OPERATION MODE Operational mode Description Advantages ActuatorThis is the simplest mode of 223) Simple operation directly pushesoperation: the actuator directly 224) No external fields ink suppliessufficient kinetic energy required to expel the drop. The drop must 225)Satellite drops can have a sufficient velocity to be avoided if dropovercome the surface tension. velocity is less than 4 m/s 226) Can beefficient, depending upon the actuator used Proximity The drops to beprinted are 241) Very simple print selected by some manner (e.g. headfabrication can be thermally induced surface tension used reduction ofpressurized ink). 242) The drop selection Selected drops are separatedfrom means does not need to the ink in the nozzle by contact provide theenergy with the print medium or a required to separate the transferroller. drop from the nozzle Electrostatic The drops to be printed are247) Very simple print pull on ink selected by some manner (e.g. headfabrication can be thermally induced surface tension used reduction ofpressurized ink). 248) The drop selection Selected drops are separatedfrom means does not need to the ink in the nozzle by a strong providethe energy electric field. required to separate the drop from the nozzleMagnetic pull The drops to be printed are 254) Very simple print on inkselected by some manner (e.g. head fabrication can be thermally inducedsurface tension used reduction of pressurized ink). 255) The dropselection Selected drops are separated from means does not need to theink in the nozzle by a strong provide the energy magnetic field actingon the required to separate the magnetic ink. drop from the nozzleShutter The actuator moves a shutter to 260) High speed (>50 KHz) blockink flow to the nozzle. The operation can be ink pressure is pulsed at aachieved due to reduced multiple of the drop ejection refill timefrequency. 261) Drop timing can be very accurate 262) The actuatorenergy can be very low Shuttered grill The actuator moves a shutter to268) Actuators with small block ink flow through a grill to travel canbe used the nozzle. The shutter movement 269) Actuators with small needonly be equal to the width of force can be used the grill holes. 270)High speed (>50 KHz) operation can be achieved Pulsed A pulsed magneticfield attracts 276) Extremely low magnetic pull an ‘ink pusher’ at thedrop energy operation is on ink pusher ejection frequency. An actuatorpossible controls a catch, which prevents 277) No heat dissipation theink pusher from moving when problems a drop is not to be ejected.Operational mode Disadvantages Examples Actuator 227) Drop repetitionrate is usually 230) Thermal inkjet directly pushes limited to less than10 KHz. 231) Piezoelectric ink However, this is not fundamental toinkjet the method, but is related to the 232) IJ01, IJ02, refill methodnormally used IJ03, IJ04 228) All of the drop kinetic energy 233) IJ05,IJ06, must be provided by the actuator IJ07, IJ09 229) Satellite dropsusually form if 234) IJ11, IJ12, drop velocity is greater than 4.5 m/sIJ14, IJ16 235) IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 236) IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28 237)IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 238) IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 239) IJ37, IJ38,IJ39, IJ40 240) IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Proximity 243) Requires closeproximity 246) Silverbrook, between the print head and the print EP 0771658 A2 media or transfer roller and related patent 244) May require twoprint heads applications printing alternate rows of the image 245)Monolithic color print heads are difficult Electrostatic 249) Requiresvery high 252) Silverbrook, pull on ink electrostatic field EP 0771 658A2 250) Electrostatic field for small and related patent nozzle sizes isabove air breakdown applications 251) Electrostatic field may attract253) Tone-Jet dust Magnetic pull 256) Requires magnetic ink 259)Silverbrook, on ink 257) Ink colors other than black are EP 0771 658 A2difficult and related patent 258) Requires very high magneticapplications fields Shutter 263) Moving parts are required 267) IJ13,IJ17, 264) Requires ink pressure IJ21 modulator 265) Friction and wearmust be considered 266) Stiction is possible Shuttered grill 271) Movingparts are required 275) IJ08, IJ15, 272) Requires ink pressure IJ18,IJ19 modulator 273) Friction and wear must be considered 274) Stictionis possible Pulsed 278) Requires an external pulsed 281) IJ10 magneticpull magnetic field on ink pusher 279) Requires special materials forboth the actuator and the ink pusher 280) Complex construction

AUXILIARY MECHANISM (APPLIED TO ALL NOZZLES) Auxiliary MechanismDescription Advantages Disadvantages Examples None The actuator directlyfires the ink 282) Simplicity of 285) Drop ejection energy must be 286)Most inkjets, drop, and there is no external field construction suppliedby individual nozzle including or other mechanism required. 283)Simplicity of actuator piezoelectric and operation thermal bubble. 284)Small physical size 287) IJ01-IJ07, IJ09, IJ11 288) IJ12, IJ14, IJ20,IJ22 289) IJ23-IJ45 Oscillating ink The ink pressure oscillates, 290)Oscillating ink 293) Requires external ink pressure 296) Silverbrook,pressure providing much of the drop pressure can provide a oscillator EP0771 658 A2 (including ejection energy. The actuator refill pulse,allowing 294) Ink pressure phase and and related patent acoustic selectswhich drops are to be fired higher operating speed amplitude must becarefully applications stimulation) by selectively blocking or 291) Theactuators may controlled 297) IJ08, IJ13, enabling nozzles. The inkpressure operate with much lower 295) Acoustic reflections in the inkIJ15, IJ17 oscillation may be achieved by energy chamber must bedesigned for 298) IJ15, IJ19, vibrating the print head, or 292) Acousticlenses can IJ21 preferably by an actuator in the be used to focus theink supply. sound on the nozzles Media The print head is placed in close299) Low power 302) Precision assembly required 305) Silverbrook,proximity proximity to the print medium. 300) High accuracy 303) Paperfibers may cause EP 0771 658 A2 Selected drops protrude from the 301)Simple print head problems and related patent print head further thanunselected construction 304) Cannot print on rough applications drops,and contact the print substrates medium. The drop soaks into the mediumfast enough to cause drop separation. Transfer roller Drops are printedto a transfer 306) High accuracy 309) Bulky 312) Silverbrook, rollerinstead of straight to the 307) Wide range of print 310) Expensive EP0771 658 A2 print medium. A transfer roller substrates can be used 311)Complex construction and related patent can also be used for proximity308) Ink can be dried on applications drop separation. the transferroller 313) Tektronix hot melt piezoelectric inkjet 314) Any of the IJseries Electrostatic An electric field is used to 315) Low power 317)Field strength required for 318) Silverbrook, accelerate selected dropstowards 316) Simple print head separation of small drops is EP 0771 658A2 the print medium. construction near or above air breakdown andrelated patent applications 319) Tone-Jet Direct A magnetic field isused to 320) Low power 322) Requires magnetic ink 324) Silverbrook,magnetic field accelerate selected drops of 321) Simple print head 323)Requires strong magnetic field EP 0771 658 A2 magnetic ink towards theprint construction and related patent medium. applications Crossmagnetic The print head is placed in a 325) Does not require 326)Requires external magnet 328) IJ06, IJ16 field constant magnetic field.The magnetic materials to be 327) Current densities may be high, Lorenzforce in a current carrying integrated in the print resulting inelectromigration wire is used to move the actuator. head manufacturingproblems process Pulsed A pulsed magnetic field is used to 329) Very lowpower 331) Complex print head 333) IJ10 magnetic field cyclicallyattract a paddle, which operation is possible construction pushes on theink. A small 330) Small print head size 332) Magnetic materials requiredin actuator moves a catch, which print head selectively prevents thepaddle from moving.

ACTUATOR AMPLIFICATION OR MODIFICATION METHOD Actuator amplificationDescription Advantages Disadvantages Examples None No actuatormechanical 334) Operational 335) Many actuator mechanisms 336) Thermalamplification is used. The actuator simplicity have insufficient travel,or Bubble Inkjet directly drives the drop ejection insufficient force,to 337) IJ01, IJ02, process. efficiently drive the drop IJ06, IJ07ejection process 338) IJ16, IJ25, IJ26 Differential An actuator materialexpands 339) Provides greater 341) High stresses are involved 344)Piezoelectric expansion more on one side than on the travel in a reducedprint 342) Care must be taken that the 345) IJ03, IJ09, bend other. Theexpansion may be head area materials do not delaminate IJ17-IJ24actuator thermal, piezoelectric, 340) The bend actuator 343) Residualbend resulting from 346) IJ27, IJ29-IJ39, magnetostrictive, or otherconverts a high force low high temperature or high IJ42, mechanism.travel actuator mechanism stress during formation 347) IJ43, IJ44 tohigh travel, lower force mechanism. Transient A trilayer bend actuatorwhere the 348) Very good 351) High stresses are involved 353) IJ40, IJ41bend two outside layers are identical. temperature stability 352) Caremust be taken that the actuator This cancels bend due to ambient 349)High speed, as a new materials do not delaminate temperature andresidual stress. drop can be fired before The actuator only responds toheat dissipates transient heating of one side or the 350) Cancelsresidual other. stress of formation Actuator A series of thin actuatorsare 354) Increased travel 356) Increased fabrication 358) Some stackstacked. This can be appropriate 355) Reduced drive complexitypiezoelectric where actuators require high voltage 357) Increasedpossibility of short ink jets electric field strength, such as circuitsdue to pinholes 359) IJ04 electrostatic and piezoelectric actuators.Multiple Multiple smaller actuators are 360) Increases the force 362)Actuator forces may not add 363) IJ12, IJ13, actuators usedsimultaneously to move the available from an actuator linearly, reducingefficiency IJ18, IJ20 ink. Each actuator need provide 361) Multipleactuators 364) IJ22, IJ28, only a portion of the force can be positionedto IJ42, IJ43 required. control ink flow accurately Linear A linearspring is used to 365) Matches low travel 367) Requires print head areafor 368) IJ15 Spring transform a motion with small actuator with higherthe spring travel and high force into a longer travel requirementstravel, lower force motion. 366) Non-contact method of motiontransformation Reverse The actuator loads a spring. When 369) Bettercoupling to 370) Fabrication complexity 372) IJ05, IJ11 spring theactuator is turned off, the the ink 371) High stress in the springspring releases. This can reverse the force/distance curve of theactuator to make it compatible with the force/time requirements of thedrop ejection. Coiled A bend actuator is coiled to 373) Increases travel376) Generally restricted to planar 377) IJ17, IJ21, actuator providegreater travel in a reduced 374) Reduces integrated implementations dueto IJ34, IJ35 integrated circuit area. circuit area extreme fabricationdifficulty 375) Planar in other orientations. implementations arerelatively easy to fabricate. Flexure bend A bend actuator has a small378) Simple means of 379) Care must be taken not to 382) IJ10, IJ19,actuator region near the fixture point, increasing travel of a exceedthe elastic limit in the IJ33 which flexes much more readily bendactuator flexure area than the remainder of the actuator. 380) Stressdistribution is very The actuator flexing is effectively uneven convenedfrom an even coiling to 381) Difficult to accurately model an angularbend, resulting in with finite element analysis greater travel of theactuator tip. Gears Gears can be used to increase 383) Low force, low385) Moving parts are required 390) IJ13 travel at the expense ofduration. travel actuators can be 386) Several actuator cycles areCircular gears, rack and pinion, used required ratchets, and othergearing 384) Can be fabricated 387) More complex drive methods can beused. using standard surface electronics MEMS processes 388) Complexconstruction 389) Friction, friction, and wear are possible Catch Theactuator controls a small 391) Very low actuator 393) Complexconstruction 396) IJ10 catch. The catch either enables or energy 394)Requires external force disables movement of an ink 392) Very smallactuator 395) Unsuitable for pigmented inks pusher that is controlled ina bulk size manner. Buckle plate A buckle plate can be used to 397) Veryfast movement 398) Must stay within elastic limits 401) S. Hirata et al,change a slow actuator into a fast achievable of the materials for “AnInk-jet motion. It can also convert a high long device life Head...”,force, low travel actuator into a 399) High stresses involved Proc. IEEEhigh travel, medium force motion. 400) Generally high power MEMS,requirement February 1996, pp 418-423. 402) IJ18, IJ27 Tapered A taperedmagnetic pole can 403) Linearizes the 404) Complex construction 405)IJ14 magnetic increase travel at the expense of magnetic force/distancepole force. curve Lever A lever and fulcrum is used to 406) Matches lowtravel 408) High stress around the 409) IJ32, IJ36, transform a motionwith small actuator with higher fulcrum IJ37 travel and high force intoa travel requirements motion with longer travel and 407) Fulcrum areahas no lower force. The lever can also linear movement, and can reversethe direction of travel. be used for a fluid seal Rotary The actuator isconnected to a 410) High mechanical 412) Complex construction 414) IJ28impeller rotary impeller. A small angular advantage 413) Unsuitable forpigmented inks deflection of the actuator results 411) The ratio offorce to in a rotation of the impeller vanes, travel of the actuator canwhich push the ink against be matched to the nozzle stationary vanes andout of the requirements by varying nozzle. the number of impeller vanesAcoustic A refractive or diffractive (e.g. 415) No moving parts 416)Large area required 418) 1993 lens zone plate) acoustic lens is used to417) Only relevant for acoustic ink Hadimioglu et al, concentrate soundwaves, jets EUP 550,192 419) 1993 Elrod et al, EUP 572,220 Sharp A sharppoint is used to 420) Simple construction 421) Difficult to fabricateusing 423) Tone-jet conductive concentrate an electrostatic field.standard VLSI processes for a point surface ejecting ink-jet 422) Onlyrelevant for electrostatic ink jets

ACTUATOR MOTION Actuator motion Description Advantages DisadvantagesExamples Volume The volume of the actuator 424) Simple construction 425)High energy is typically 426) Hewlett- expansion changes, pushing theink in all in the case of thermal ink required to achieve volume Packarddirections. jet expansion. This leads to Thermal Inkjet thermal stress,cavitation, 427) Canon and kogation in thermal Bubblejet ink jetimplementations Linear, normal The actuator moves in a direction 428)Efficient coupling to 429) High fabrication complexity 430) IJ01, IJ02,to integrated normal to the print head surface. ink drops ejected normalmay be required to achieve IJ04, IJ07 circuit surface The nozzle istypically in the line to the surface perpendicular motion 431) IJ11,IJ14 of movement. Linear, The actuator moves parallel to the 432)Suitable for planar 433) Fabrication complexity 436) IJ12, IJ13,parallel to print head surface. Drop ejection fabrication 434) FrictionIJ15, IJ33, integrated may still be normal to the surface. 435) Stiction437) IJ34, IJ35, circuit surface IJ36 Membrane An actuator with a highforce but 438) The effective area of 439) Fabrication complexity 442)1982 Howkins push small area is used to push a stiff the actuatorbecomes the 440) Actuator size U.S. Pat. No. membrane that is in contactwith membrane area 441) Difficulty of integration in a 4,459,601 theink. VLSI process Rotary The actuator causes the rotation of 443) Rotarylevers may 445) Device complexity 447) IJ05, IJ08, some element, such agrill or be used to increase travel 446) May have friction at a pivotIJ13, IJ28 impeller 444) Small integrated point circuit arearequirements Bend The actuator bends when 448) A very small change 449)Requires the actuator to be 450) 1970 Kyser et energized. This may bedue to in dimensions can be made from at least two al U.S. Pat. No.differential thermal expansion, converted to a large distinct layers, orto 3,946,398 piezoelectric expansion, motion. have a thermal difference451) 1973 Stemme magnetostriction, or other form of across the actuatorU.S. Pat. No. relative dimensional change. 3,747,120 452) IJ03, IJ09,IJ10, IJ19 453) IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ29 454) IJ30, IJ31, IJ33, IJ34 455)IJ35 Swivel The actuator swivels around a 456) Allows operation 458)Inefficient coupling to the ink 459) IJ06 central pivot. This motion iswhere the net linear force motion suitable where there are opposite onthe paddle is zero forces applied to opposite sides of 457) Smallintegrated the paddle, e.g. Lorenz force. circuit area requirementsStraighten The actuator is normally bent, and 460) Can be used with 461)Requires careful balance of 462) IJ26, IJ32 straightens when energized.shape memory alloys stresses to ensure that the where the austenic phasequiescent bend is accurate is planar Double bend The actuator bends inone 463) One actuator can be 466) Difficult to make the drops 468) IJ36,IJ37, direction when one element is used to power two ejected by bothbend IJ38 energized, and bends the other nozzles. directions identical.way when another element is 464) Reduced integrated 467) A smallefficiency loss energized. circuit size. compared to equivalent single465) Not sensitive to bend actuators. ambient temperature ShearEnergizing the actuator causes a 469) Can increase the 470) Not readilyapplicable to other 471) 1985 Fishbeck shear motion in the actuatoreffective travel of actuator mechanisms U.S. Pat. No. material.piezoelectric actuators 4,584,590 Radial The actuator squeezes an ink472) Relatively easy to 473) High force required 476) 1970 Zoltanconstriction reservoir, forcing ink from a fabricate single nozzles 474)Inefficient U.S. Pat. No. constricted nozzle. from glass tubing as 475)Difficult to integrate with 3,683,212 macroscopic structures VLSIprocesses Coil/uncoil A coiled actuator uncoils or coils 477) Easy tofabricate as a 479) Difficult to fabricate for non- 481) IJ17, IJ21,more tightly. The motion of the planar VLSI process planar devices IJ34,IJ35 free end of the actuator ejects the 478) Small area required, 480)Poor out-of-plane stiffness ink. therefore low cost Bow The actuatorbows (or buckles) in 482) Can increase the 484) Maximum travel is 486)IJ16, IJ18, the middle when energized. speed of travel constrained IJ27483) Mechanically rigid 485) High force required Push-Pull Two actuatorscontrol a shutter. 487) The structure is 488) Not readily suitable forinkjets 489) IJ18 One actuator pulls the shutter, and pinned at bothends, so which directly push the ink the other pushes it. has a highout-of-plane rigidity Curl inwards A set of actuators curl inwards to490) Good fluid flow to 491) Design complexity 492) IJ20, IJ42 reducethe volume of ink that they the region behind the enclose. actuatorincreases efficiency Curl outwards A set of actuators curl outwards,493) Relatively simple 494) Relatively large integrated 495) IJ43pressurizing ink in a chamber construction circuit area surrounding theactuators, and expelling ink from a nozzle in the chamber. Iris Multiplevanes enclose a volume 496) High efficiency 498) High fabricationcomplexity 500) IJ22 of ink. These simultaneously 497) Small integrated499) Not suitable for pigmented rotate, reducing the volume circuit areainks between the vanes. Acoustic The actuator vibrates at a high 501)The actuator can be 502) Large area required for 506) 1993 vibrationfrequency. physically distant from efficient operation at usefulHadimioglu et al, the ink frequencies EUP 550,192 503) Acoustic couplingand 507) 1993 Elrod et crosstalk al, EUP 572,220 504) Complex drivecircuitry 505) Poor control of drop volume and position None In variousink jet designs the 508) No moving parts 509) Various other tradeoffsare 510) Silverbrook, actuator does not move. required to eliminate EP0771 658 A2 moving parts and related patent applications 511) Tone-jet

NOZZLE REFILL METHOD Nozzle refill method Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Surface tension After the actuator is energized,it 512) Fabrication 514) Low speed 517) Thermal inkjet typically returnsrapidly to its simplicity 515) Surface tension force 518) Piezoelectricnormal position. This rapid return 513) Operational relatively smallcompared to inkjet sucks in air through the nozzle simplicity actuatorforce 519) IJ01-IJ07, opening. The ink surface tension 516) Long refilltime usually IJ10-IJ14 at the nozzle then exerts a small dominates thetotal 520) IJ16, IJ20, force restoring the meniscus to a repetition rateIJ22-IJ45 minimum area. Shuttered Ink to the nozzle chamber is 521) Highspeed 523) Requires common ink 525) IJ08, IJ13, oscillating ink providedat a pressure that 522) Low actuator pressure oscillator IJ15, IJ17pressure oscillates at twice the drop energy, as the actuator 524) Maynot be suitable for 526) IJ18, IJ19, ejection frequency. When a dropneed only open or close pigmented inks IJ21 is to be ejected, theshutter is the shutter, instead of opened for 3 half cycles: dropejecting the ink drop ejection, actuator return, and refill. Refillactuator After the main actuator has 527) High speed, as the 528)Requires two independent 529) IJ09 ejected a drop a second (refill)nozzle is actively refilled actuators per nozzle actuator is energized.The refill actuator pushes ink into the nozzle chamber. The refillactuator returns slowly, to prevent its return from emptying the chamberagain. Positive ink The ink is held a slight positive 530) High refillrate, 531) Surface spill must be 533) Silverbrook, pressure pressure.After the ink drop is therefore a high drop prevented EP 0771 658 A2ejected, the nozzle chamber fills repetition rate is possible 532)Highly hydrophobic print and related patent quickly as surface tensionand ink head surfaces are required applications pressure both operate torefill the 534) Alternative nozzle. for: 535) IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14 536)IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45

METHOD OF RESTRICTING BACK-FLOW THROUGH INLET Inlet back-flowrestriction method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Longinlet The ink inlet channel to the nozzle 537) Design simplicity 540)Restricts refill rate 543) Thermal inkjet channel chamber is made longand 538) Operational 541) May result in a relatively 544) Piezoelectricrelatively narrow, relying on simplicity large integrated circuit areainkjet viscous drag to reduce inlet back- 539) Reduces crosstalk 542)Only partially effective 545) IJ42, IJ43 flow. Positive ink The ink isunder a positive 546) Drop selection and 548) Requires a method (such asa 549) Silverbrook, pressure pressure, so that in the quiescentseparation forces nozzle rim or effective EP 0771 658 A2 state some ofthe ink drop already can be reduced hydrophobizing, or both) to andrelated patent protrudes from the nozzle. 547) Fast refill time preventflooding of the applications This reduces the pressure in the ejectionsurface of the 550) Possible nozzle chamber which is required printhead. operation of the to eject a certain volume of ink. following: Thereduction in chamber 551) IJ01-IJ07, pressure results in a reduction inIJ09-IJ12 ink pushed out through the inlet. 552) IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22,553) IJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ41 554) IJ44 Baffle One or more baffles areplaced in 555) The refill rate is not 557) Design complexity 559) HPThermal the inlet ink flow. When the as restricted as 558) May increasefabrication Ink Jet actuator is energized, the rapid ink the long inletmethod. complexity (e.g. Tektronix 560) Tektronix movement createseddies which 556) Reduces crosstalk hot melt Piezoelectric piezoelectricrestrict the flow through the inlet. print heads). ink jet The slowerrefill process is unrestricted, and does not result in eddies. Flexibleflap In this method recently disclosed 561) Significantly reduces 562)Not applicable to most inkjet 565) Canon restricts inlet by Canon, theexpanding actuator back-flow for edge- configurations (bubble) pushes ona flexible flap shooter thermal ink jet 563) Increased fabrication thatrestricts the inlet. devices complexity 564) Inelastic deformation ofpolymer flap results in creep over extended use Inlet filter A filter islocated between the ink 566) Additional 568) Restricts refill rate 570)IJ04, IJ12, inlet and the nozzle chamber. The advantage of inkfiltration 569) May result in complex IJ24, IJ27 filter has a multitudeof small 567) Ink filter may be construction 571) IJ29, IJ30 holes orslots, restricting ink flow. fabricated with no The filter also removesparticles additional process steps which may block the nozzle. Smallinlet The ink inlet channel to the nozzle 572) Design simplicity 573)Restricts refill rate 576) IJ02, IJ37, compared to chamber has asubstantially 574) May result in a relatively IJ44 nozzle smaller crosssection than that of large integrated circuit area the nozzle, resultingin easier ink 575) Only partially effective egress out of the nozzlethan out of the inlet. Inlet shutter A secondary actuator controls the577) Increases speed of 578) Requires separate refill 579) IJ09 positionof a shutter, closing off the ink-jet print head actuator and drivecircuit the ink inlet when the main operation actuator is energized. Theinlet is The method avoids the problem of 580) Back-flow problem 581)Requires careful design to 582) IJ01, IJ03, located inlet back-flow byarranging the is eliminated minimize the negative IJ05, IJ06 behind theink-pushing surface of the pressure behind the paddle 583) IJ07, IJ10,ink-pushing actuator between the inlet and the IJ11, IJ14 surfacenozzle. 584) IJ16, IJ22, IJ23, IJ25 585) IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33 586)IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, IJ39 587) IJ40, IJ41 Part of the The actuator and awall of the ink 588) Significant 590) Small increase in fabrication 591)IJ07, IJ20, actuator chamber are arranged so that the reductions inback-flow complexity IJ26, IJ38 moves to motion of the actuator closesoff can be achieved shut off the the inlet. 589) Compact designs inletpossible Nozzle In some configurations of ink jet, 592) Ink back-flow593) None related to ink back-flow 594) Silverbrook, actuator does thereis no expansion or problem is eliminated on actuation EP 0771 658 A2 notresult in movement of an actuator which and related patent ink may causeink back-flow through applications back-flow the inlet. 595) Valve-jet596) Tone-jet 597) IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 598) IJ18, IJ19, IJ21

NOZZLE CLEARING METHOD Nozzle Clearing method Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Normal nozzle All of the nozzles are fired 599)No added 600) May not be sufficient to 601) Most ink jet firingperiodically, before the ink has a complexity on the print displacedried ink systems chance to dry. When not in use head 602) IJ01-IJ07,the nozzles are sealed (capped) IJ09-IJ12 against air. 603) IJ14, IJ16,The nozzle firing is usually IJ20, IJ22 performed during a special 604)IJ23-IJ34, clearing cycle, after first moving IJ36-IJ45 the print headto a cleaning station. Extra power to In systems which heat the ink, but605) Can be highly 606) Requires higher drive 608) Silverbrook, inkheater do not boil it under normal effective if the heater is voltagefor clearing EP 0771 658 A2 situations, nozzle clearing can be adjacentto the nozzle 607) May require larger drive and related patent achievedby over-powering the transistors applications heater and boiling ink atthe nozzle. Rapid The actuator is fired in rapid 609) Does not require611) Effectiveness depends 612) May be used succession of succession. Insome extra drive circuits on the substantially upon with: actuatorpulses configurations, this may cause print head the configuration 613)IJ01-IJ07, heat build-up at the nozzle which 610) Can be readily of theinkjet nozzle IJ09-IJ11 boils the ink, clearing the nozzle. controlledand initiated 614) IJ14, IJ16, In other situations, it may cause bydigital logic IJ20, IJ22 sufficient vibrations to dislodge 615)IJ23-IJ25, clogged nozzles. IJ27-IJ34 616) IJ36-IJ45 Extra power toWhere an actuator is not normally 617) A simple solution 618) Notsuitable where 619) May be used ink pushing driven to the limit of itsmotion, where applicable there is a hard limit to with: actuator nozzleclearing may be assisted by actuator movement 620) IJ03, IJ09, providingan enhanced drive IJ16, IJ20 signal to the actuator. 621) IJ23, IJ24,IJ25, IJ27 622) IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 623) IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42 624)IJ43, IJ44, IJ45 Acoustic An ultrasonic wave is applied to 625) A highnozzle 627) High implementation 628) IJ08, IJ13, resonance the inkchamber. This wave is of clearing capability can be cost if system doesnot IJ15, IJ17 an appropriate amplitude and achieved already include an629) IJ18, IJ19, frequency to cause sufficient force 626) May beimplemented acoustic actuator IJ21 at the nozzle to clear blockages. atvery low cost in This is easiest to achieve if the systems which alreadyultrasonic wave is at a resonant include acoustic actuators frequency ofthe ink cavity. Nozzle clearing A microfabricated plate is pushed 630)Can clear severely 631) Accurate mechanical 635) Silverbrook, plateagainst the nozzles. The plate has clogged nozzles alignment is requiredEP 0771 658 A2 a post for every nozzle. The array 632) Moving parts arerequired and related patent of posts 633) There is risk of applicationsdamage to the nozzles 634) Accurate fabrication is required Ink pressureThe pressure of the ink is 636) May be effective 637) Requires pressurepump or 640) May be used pulse temporarily increased so that ink whereother methods other pressure actuator with all IJ series ink streamsfrom all of the nozzles. cannot be used 638) Expensive jets This may beused in conjunction 639) Wasteful of ink with actuator energizing. Printhead A flexible ‘blade’ is wiped across 641) Effective for planar 643)Difficult to use if print 646) Many ink jet wiper the print headsurface. The blade print head surfaces head surface is non- systems isusually fabricated from a 642) Low cost planar or very fragile flexiblepolymer, e.g. rubber or 644) Requires mechanical parts syntheticelastomer. 645) Blade can wear out in high volume print systems Separateink A separate heater is provided at 647) Can be effective 649)Fabrication complexity 650) Can be used boiling heater the nozzlealthough the normal where other nozzle with many IJ series drop e-ectionmechanism does clearing methods cannot ink jets not require it. Theheaters do not be used require individual drive circuits, 648) Can beimplemented as many nozzles can be cleared at no additional cost insimultaneously, and no imaging is some inkjet required. configurations

NOZZLE PLATE CONSTRUCTION Nozzle plate construction DescriptionAdvantages Disadvantages Examples Electroformed A nozzle plate isseparately 651) Fabrication 652) High temperatures and 655) Hewlettnickel fabricated from electroformed simplicity pressures are requiredPackard Thermal nickel, and bonded to the print to bond nozzle plateInkjet head integrated circuit. 653) Minimum thickness constraints 654)Differential thermal expansion Laser ablated Individual nozzle holes are656) No masks required 660) Each hole must be 664) Canon or drilledablated by an intense UV laser in 657) Can be quite fast individuallyformed Bubblejet polymer a nozzle plate, which is typically a 658) Somecontrol over 661) Special equipment required 665) 1988 Sercel et polymersuch as polyimide or nozzle profile is possible 662) Slow where thereare many al., SPIE, Vol. 998 polysulphone 659) Equipment requiredthousands of nozzles Excimer Beam is relatively low cost per print headApplications, pp. 663) May produce thin burrs 76-83 at exit holes 666)1993 Watanabe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,604 Silicon A separate nozzleplate is 667) High accuracy is 668) Two part construction 672) K. Bean,IEEE micromachined micromachined from single attainable 669) High costTransactions on crystal silicon, and bonded to the 670) Requiresprecision Electron Devices, print head wafer. alignment Vol. ED-25, No.10, 671) Nozzles may be clogged by 1978, pp 1185-1195 adhesive 673)Xerox 1990 Hawkins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Glass Fine glasscapillaries are drawn 674) No expensive 676) Very small nozzle sizes are678) 1970 Zoltan capillaries from glass tubing. This method equipmentrequired difficult to form U.S. Pat. No. has been used for making 675)Simple to make 677) Not suited for mass 3,683,212 individual nozzles,but is difficult single nozzles production to use for bulk manufacturingof print heads with thousands of nozzles. Monolithic, The nozzle plateis deposited as a 679) High accuracy (<1 μm) 683) Requires sacrificial685) Silverbrook, surface layer using standard VLSI 680) Monolithiclayer under the nozzle plate EP 0771 658 A2 micromachined depositiontechniques. Nozzles 681) Low cost to form the nozzle chamber and relatedpatent using VLSI are etched in the nozzle plate 682) Existing processes684) Surface may be applications lithographic using VLSI lithography andcan be used fragile to the touch 686) IJ01, IJ02, processes etching.IJ04, IJ11 687) IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20 688) IJ22, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 689)IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 690) IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, IJ37 691) IJ38, IJ39,IJ40, IJ41 692) IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Monolithic, The nozzle plate is aburied etch 693) High accuracy (<1 μm) 697) Requires long etch times699) IJ03, IJ05, etched through stop in the wafer. Nozzle 694)Monolithic 698) Requires a support wafer IJ06, IJ07 substrate chambersare etched in the front 695) Low cost 700) IJ08, IJ09, of the wafer, andthe wafer is 696) No differential IJ10, IJ13 thinned from the back side.expansion 701) IJ14, IJ15, Nozzles are then etched in the IJ16, IJ19etch stop layer. 702) IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, IJ26 No nozzle plate Variousmethods have been tried 703) No nozzles to 704) Difficult to controldrop 706) Ricoh 1995 to eliminate the nozzles entirely, become cloggedposition accurately Sekiya et al U.S. to prevent nozzle clogging. These705) Crosstalk problems Pat. No. 5,412,413 include thermal bubble 707)1993 mechanisms and acoustic lens Hadimioglu et al mechanisms EUP550,192 708) 1993 Elrod et al EUP 572,220 Trough Each drop ejector has atrough 709) Reduced 711) Drop firing direction is 712) IJ35 throughwhich a paddle moves, manufacturing sensitive to wicking. There is nonozzle plate. complexity 710) Monolithic Nozzle slit The elimination ofnozzle holes 713) No nozzles to 714) Difficult to control drop 716) 1989Saito et instead of and replacement by a slit become clogged positionaccurately al U.S. Pat. No. individual encompassing many actuator4,799,068 nozzles positions reduces nozzle clogging, 715) Crosstalkproblems but increases crosstalk due to ink surface waves

DROP EJECTION DIRECTION Ejection direction Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Edge Ink flow is along the surface of 717) Simpleconstruction 722) Nozzles limited to edge 725) Canon (‘edge theintegrated circuit, and ink 718) No silicon etching 723) High resolutionis difficult Bubblejet 1979 shooter’) drops are ejected from therequired 724) Fast color printing requires one Endo et al GB integratedcircuit edge. 719) Good heat sinking print head per color patent2,007,162 via substrate 726) Xerox heater- 720) Mechanically strongin-pit 1990 721) Ease of integrated Hawkins et al U.S. circuit handingPat. No. 4,899,181 727) Tone-jet Surface Ink flow is along the surfaceof 728) No bulk silicon 731) Maximum ink flow is severely 732) Hewlett-(‘roof the integrated circuit, and ink etching required restrictedPackard TIJ 1982 shooter’) drops are ejected from the 729) Silicon canmake an Vaught et al U.S. integrated circuit surface, normal effectiveheat sink Pat. No. 4,490,728 to the plane of the integrated 730)Mechanical strength 733) IJ02, IJ11, circuit. IJ12, IJ20 734) IJ22Through Ink flow is through the integrated 735) High ink flow 738)Requires bulk silicon etching 739) Silverbrook, integrated circuit, andink drops are ejected 736) Suitable for EP 0771 658 A2 circuit, from thefront surface of the pagewidth print and related patent forwardintegrated circuit. 737) High nozzle packing applications (‘up densitytherefore low 740) IJ04, IJ17, shooter’) manufacturing cost IJ18, IJ24741) IJ27-IJ45 Through Ink flow is through the integrated 742) High inkflow 745) Requires wafer thinning 747) IJ01, IJ03, integrated circuit,and ink drops are ejected 743) Suitable for 746) Requires specialhandling IJ05, IJ06 circuit, from the rear surface of the pagewidthprint during manufacture 748) IJ07, IJ08, reverse integrated circuit.744) High nozzle packing IJ09, IJ10 (‘down density therefore low 749)IJ13, IJ14, shooter’) manufacturing cost IJ15, IJ16 750) IJ19, IJ21,IJ23, IJ25 751) IJ26 Through Ink flow is through the actuator, 752)Suitable for 753) Pagewidth print heads require 756) Epson Stylusactuator which is not fabricated as part of piezoelectric print headsseveral thousand connections to 757) Tektronix hot the same substrate asthe drive drive circuits melt piezoelectric transistors. 754) Cannot bemanufactured in ink jets standard CMOS fabs 755) Complex assemblyrequired

INK TYPE Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Aqueous,dye Water based ink which typically 758) Environmentally 760) Slowdrying 765) Most existing contains: water, dye, surfactant, friendly761) Corrosive inkjets humectant, and biocide. 759) No odor 762) Bleedson paper 766) All IJ series Modern ink dyes have high water- 763) Maystrikethrough ink jets fastness, light fastness 764) Cockles paper 767)Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 and related patent applications Aqueous,Water based ink which typically 768) Environmentally 773) Slow drying778) IJ02, IJ04, pigment contains: water, pigment, friendly 774)Corrosive IJ21, IJ26 surfactant, humectant, and 769) No odor 775)Pigment may clog nozzles 779) IJ27, IJ30 biocide. 770) Reduced bleed776) Pigment may clog actuator 780) Silverbrook, Pigments have anadvantage in 771) Reduced wicking mechanisms EP 0771 658 A2 reducedbleed, wicking and 772) Reduced 777) Cockles paper and related patentstrikethrough. strikethrough applications 781) Piezoelectric ink-jets782) Thermal ink jets (with significant restrictions) Methyl Ethyl MEKis a highly volatile solvent 783) Very fast drying 785) Odorous 787) AllIJ series Ketone (MEK) used for industrial printing on 784) Prints onvarious 786) Flammable ink jets difficult surfaces such as substratessuch as metals aluminum cans. and plastics Alcohol Alcohol based inkscan be used 788) Fast drying 792) Slight odor 794) All IJ series(ethanol, 2- where the printer must operate at 789) Operates at sub-793) Flammable ink jets butanol, and temperatures below the freezingfreezing temperatures others) point of water. An example of this 790)Reduced paper is in-camera consumer cockle photographic printing. 791)Low cost Phase change The ink is solid at room 795) No drying time-ink801) High viscosity 807) Tektronix hot (hot melt) temperature, and ismelted in the instantly freezes on the 802) Printed ink typically has amelt piezoelectric print head before jetting. Hot melt print medium‘waxy’ feel ink jets inks are usually wax based, with a 796) Almost anyprint 803) Printed pages may ‘block’ 808) 1989 Nowak melting pointaround 80° C. After medium can be used 804) Ink temperature may be aboveU.S. Pat. No. jetting the ink freezes almost 797) No paper cockle thecurie point of permanent 4,820,346 instantly upon contacting the printoccurs magnets 809) All IJ series medium or a transfer roller. 798) Nowicking occurs 805) Ink heaters consume power ink jets 799) No bleedoccurs 806) Long warm-up time 800) No strikethrough occurs Oil Oil basedinks are extensively 810) High solubility 813) High viscosity: this is a815) All IJ series used in offset printing. They have medium for somedyes significant limitation for ink jets advantages in improved 811)Does not cockle use in inkjets, which usually characteristics on paperpaper require a low viscosity. (especially no wicking or cockle). 812)Does not wick Some short chain and Oil soluble dies and pigments arethrough paper multi-branched oils have a required. sufficiently lowviscosity. 814) Slow drying Microemulsion A microemulsion is a stable,self 816) Stops ink bleed 820) Viscosity higher than water 823) All IJseries forming emulsion of oil, water, 817) High dye solubility 821)Cost is slightly higher than ink jets and surfactant. The characteristic818) Water, oil, and water based ink drop size is less than 100 nm, andamphiphilic soluble dies 822) High surfactant concentration isdetermined by the preferred can be used required (around 5%) curvatureof the surfactant. 819) Can stabilize pigment suspensions

Ink Jet Printing

A large number of new forms of ink jet printers have been developed tofacilitate alternative ink jet technologies for the image processing anddata distribution system. Various combinations of ink jet devices can beincluded in printer devices incorporated as part of the presentinvention. Australian Provisional Patent Applications relating to theseink jets which are specifically incorporated by cross reference. Theserial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications arealso provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application and Filing NumberFiling Date Title Date PO8066 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,227,652 (IJ01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8072 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus 6,213,588 (IJ02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO804015-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,213,589 (IJ03) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8071 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,231,163(IJ04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8047 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,247,795 (IJ05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8035 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus 6,394,581 (IJ06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO804415-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,244,691 (IJ07) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8063 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,257,704(IJ08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8057 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,416,168 (IJ09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8056 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus 6,220,694 (IJ10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO806915-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,257,705 (IJ11) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8049 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,794(IJ12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8036 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,234,610 (IJ13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8048 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus 6,247,793 (IJ14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO807015-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,264,306 (IJ15) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8067 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,241,342(IJ16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8001 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,247,792 (IJ17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8038 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus 6,264,307 (IJ18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO803315-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,254,220 (IJ19) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8002 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,234,611(IJ20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8068 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,302,528) (IJ21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8062 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus 6,283,582 (IJ22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO803415-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,239,821 (IJ23) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8039 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,338,547(IJ24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8041 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,247,796 (IJ25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8004 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus 09/113,122 (IJ26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO803715-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,390,603 (IJ27) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8043 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,362,843(IJ28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8042 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,293,653 (IJ29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8064 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus 6,312,107 (IJ30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO938923-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,227,653 (IJ31) (Jul. 10,1998) PO9391 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,234,609(IJ32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0888 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,238,040 (IJ33) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0891 12-Dec-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus 6,188,415 (IJ34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP089012-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,227,654 (IJ35) (Jul. 10,1998) PP0873 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,209,989(IJ36) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0993 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,247,791 (IJ37) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0890 12-Dec-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus 6,336,710 (IJ38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP139819-Jan-98 An Image Creation Method and 6,217,153 Apparatus (IJ39) (Jul.10, 1998) PP2592 25-Mar-98 An Image Creation Method and 6,416,167Apparatus (IJ40) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2593 25-Mar-98 Image Creation Methodand Apparatus 6,243,113 (IJ41) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3991 9-Jun-98 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus 6,283,581 (IJ42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP39879-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,790 (IJ43) (Jul. 10,1998) PP3985 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,260,953(IJ44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3983 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,267,469 (IJ45) (Jul. 10, 1998)

Ink Jet Manufacturing

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductorfabrication techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jetprinters. Suitable manufacturing techniques are described in thefollowing Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated hereby cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding USpatent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application and Filing NumberFiling Date Title Date PO7935 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of anImage 6,224,780 Creation Apparatus (IJM01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO793615-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,212 CreationApparatus (IJM02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7937 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,280,643 Creation Apparatus (IJM03) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8061 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,284,147Creation Apparatus (IJM04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8054 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,214,244 Creation Apparatus (IJM05) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8065 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,071,750Creation Apparatus (IJM06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8055 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,267,905 Creation Apparatus (IJM07) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8053 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,251,298Creation Apparatus (IJM08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8078 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,258,285 Creation Apparatus (IJM09) (Jul. 10,1998) PO7933 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,225,138Creation Apparatus (IJM10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7950 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,241,904 Creation Apparatus (IJM11) (Jul. 10,1998) PO7949 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,299,786Creation Apparatus (IJM12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8060 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 09/113,124 Creation Apparatus (IJM13) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8059 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,773Creation Apparatus (IJM14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8073 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,190,931 Creation Apparatus (IJM15) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8076 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,248,249Creation Apparatus (IJM16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8075 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,290,862 Creation Apparatus (IJM17) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8079 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,906Creation Apparatus (IJM18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8050 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 09/113,116 Creation Apparatus (IJM19) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8052 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,905Creation Apparatus (IJM20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7948 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,451,216 Creation Apparatus (IJM21) (Jul. 10,1998) PO7951 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,772Creation Apparatus (IJM22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8074 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,274,056 Creation Apparatus (IJM23) (Jul. 10,1998) PO7941 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,290,861Creation Apparatus (IJM24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8077 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,248,248 Creation Apparatus (IJM25) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8058 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,306,671Creation Apparatus (IJM26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8051 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,331,258 Creation Apparatus (IJM27) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8045 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,110,754Creation Apparatus (IJM28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7952 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,294,101 Creation Apparatus (IJM29) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8046 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,416,679Creation Apparatus (IJM30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8503 11-Aug-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,264,849 Creation Apparatus (IJM30a) (Jul. 10,1998) PO9390 23-Sep-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,254,793Creation Apparatus (IJM31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9392 23-Sep-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,235,211 Creation Apparatus (IJM32) (Jul. 10,1998) PP0889 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,211Creation Apparatus (IJM35) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 12-Dec-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,264,850 Creation Apparatus (IJM36) (Jul. 10,1998) PP0882 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,284Creation Apparatus (IJM37) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0874 12-Dec-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,258,284 Creation Apparatus (IJM38) (Jul. 10,1998) PP1396 19-Jan-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,228,668Creation Apparatus (IJM39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2591 25-Mar-98 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,180,427 Creation Apparatus (IJM41) (Jul. 10,1998) PP3989 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,171,875Creation Apparatus (IJM40) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3990 9-Jun-98 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,267,904 Creation Apparatus (IJM42) (Jul. 10,1998) PP3986 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,245,247Creation Apparatus (IJM43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3984 9-Jun-98 A Method ofManufacture of an Image 6,245,247 Creation Apparatus (IJM44) (Jul. 10,1998) PP3982 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,148Creation Apparatus (IJM45) (Jul. 10, 1998)

Fluid Supply

Further, the present application may utilize an ink delivery system tothe ink jet head. Delivery systems relating to the supply of ink to aseries of ink jet nozzles are described in the following Australianprovisional patent specifications, the disclosure of which are herebyincorporated by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respectivecorresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake ofconvenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application Number Filing DateTitle and Filing Date PO8003 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and 6,350,023Apparatus (F1) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8005 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and6,318,849 Apparatus (F2) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9404 23-Sep-97 A Device andMethod 09/113,101 (F3) (Jul. 10, 1998)

MEMS Technology

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductormicroelectromechanical techniques in the construction of large arrays ofink jet printers. Suitable microelectromechanical techniques aredescribed in the following Australian provisional patent specificationsincorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respectivecorresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake ofconvenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application Number Filing DateTitle and Filing Date PO7943 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS01) PO800615-Jul-97 A device (MEMS02) 6,087,638 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8007 15-Jul-97 Adevice (MEMS03) 09/113,093 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8008 15-Jul-97 A device(MEMS04) 6,340,222 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8010 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS05)6,041,600 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8011 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS06) 6,299,300(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7947 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS07) 6,067,797 (Jul. 10,1998) PO7945 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS08) 09/113,081 (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7944 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS09) 6,286,935 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO794615-Jul-97 A device (MEMS10) 6,044,646 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9393 23-Sep-97 ADevice and Method 09/113,065 (MEMS11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0875 12-Dec-97 ADevice (MEMS12) 09/113,078 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0894 12-Dec-97 A Device andMethod 09/113,075 (MEMS13) (Jul. 10, 1998)

IR Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of adisposable camera system such as those described in the followingAustralian provisional patent specifications incorporated here bycross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding USpatent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/ Provisional Patent Application Number Filing DateTitle and Filing Date PP0895 12-Dec-97 An Image Creation Method and6,231,148 Apparatus (IR01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0870 12-Dec-97 A Device andMethod (IR02) 09/113,106 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0869 12-Dec-97 A Device andMethod (IR04) 6,293,658 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 12-Dec-97 Image CreationMethod and 09/113,104 Apparatus (IR05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0885 12-Dec-97An Image Production System (IR06) 6,238,033 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP088412-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,312,070 Apparatus (IR10) (Jul. 10,1998) PP0886 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,238,111 Apparatus(IR12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0871 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR13)09/113,086 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0876 12-Dec-97 An Image Processing Methodand 09/113,094 Apparatus (IR14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0877 12-Dec-97 ADevice and Method (IR16) 6,378,970 (Jul. 10, 1998 PP0878 12-Dec-97 ADevice and Method (IR17) 6,196,739 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0879 12-Dec-97 ADevice and Method (IR18) 09/112,774 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0883 12-Dec-97 ADevice and Method (IR19) 6,270,182 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0880 12-Dec-97 ADevice and Method (IR20) 6,152,619 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0881 12-Dec-97 ADevice and Method (IR21) 09/113,092 (Jul. 10, 1998)

DotCard Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of a datadistribution system such as that described in the following Australianprovisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference.The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applicationsare also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application Number Filing DateTitle and Filing Date PP2370 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method 09/112,781and Apparatus (Dot01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2371 16-Mar-98 Data ProcessingMethod 09/113,052 and Apparatus (Dot02) (Jul. 10, 1998

Artcam Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of cameraand data processing techniques such as an Artcam type device asdescribed in the following Australian provisional patent specificationsincorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respectivecorresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake ofconvenience.

Australian Provisional US Patent/ Patent Number Filing Date TitleApplication and Filing Date PO7991 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and09/113,060 Apparatus (ART01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7988 15-Jul-97 ImageProcessing Method and 6,476,863 Apparatus (ART02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO799315-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,073 Apparatus (ART03) (Jul.10, 1998) PO9395 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,322,181Apparatus (ART04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8017 15-Jul-97 Image ProcessingMethod and 09/112,747 Apparatus (ART06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8014 15-Jul-97Media Device (ART07) 6,227,648 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8025 15-Jul-97 ImageProcessing Method and 09/112,750 Apparatus (ART08) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8032 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,746 Apparatus(ART09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7999 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and09/112,743 Apparatus (ART10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7998 15-Jul-97 ImageProcessing Method and 09/112,742 Apparatus (ART11) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8031 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,741 Apparatus(ART12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8030 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART13) 6,196,541(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7997 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART15) 6,195,150 (Jul.10, 1998) PO7979 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART16) 6,362,868 (Jul. 10,1998) PO8015 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART17) 09/112,738 (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7978 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART18) 09/113,067 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO798215-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,431,669 Apparatus (ART19) (Jul.10, 1998 PO7989 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,362,869 Apparatus(ART20) (Jul. 10, 1998 PO8019 15-Jul-97 Media Processing Method and6,472,052 Apparatus (ART21) (Jul. 10, 1998 PO7980 15-Jul-97 ImageProcessing Method and 6,356,715 Apparatus (ART22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO801815-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,777 Apparatus (ART24) (Jul.10, 1998) PO7938 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,224Apparatus (ART25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8016 15-Jul-97 Image ProcessingMethod and 6,366,693 Apparatus (ART26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8024 15-Jul-97Image Processing Method and 6,329,990 Apparatus (ART27) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7940 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,072 Apparatus (ART28)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7939 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/112,785Apparatus (ART29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8501 11-Aug-97 Image ProcessingMethod and 6,137,500 Apparatus (ART30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8500 11-Aug-97Image Processing Method and 09/112,796 Apparatus (ART31) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7987 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,071 Apparatus (ART32)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO8022 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,398,328Apparatus (ART33) (Jul. 10, 1998 PO8497 11-Aug-97 Image ProcessingMethod and 09/113,090 Apparatus (ART34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8020 15-Jul-97Data Processing Method and 6,431,704 Apparatus (ART38) (Jul. 10, 1998PO8023 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,222 Apparatus (ART39)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO8504 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,786Apparatus (ART42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8000 15-Jul-97 Data ProcessingMethod and 6,415,054 Apparatus (ART43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7977 15-Jul-97Data Processing Method and 09/112,782 Apparatus (ART44) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7934 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,056 Apparatus (ART45)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7990 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,059Apparatus (ART46) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8499 11-Aug-97 Image ProcessingMethod and 6,486,886 Apparatus (ART47) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8502 11-Aug-97Image Processing Method and 6,381,361 Apparatus (ART48) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7981 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,317,192 Apparatus (ART50)(Jul. 10, 1998 PO7986 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,057Apparatus (ART51) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7983 15-Jul-97 Data ProcessingMethod and 09/113,054 Apparatus (ART52) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8026 15-Jul-97Image Processing Method and 09/112,752 Apparatus (ART53) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8027 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,759 Apparatus(ART54) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8028 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and09/112,757 Apparatus (ART56) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9394 23-Sep-97 ImageProcessing Method and 6,357,135 Apparatus (ART57) (Jul. 10, 1998 PO939623-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,107 Apparatus (ART58) (Jul.10, 1998) PO9397 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,271,931Apparatus (ART59) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9398 23-Sep-97 Data ProcessingMethod and 6,353,772 Apparatus (ART60) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9399 23-Sep-97Data Processing Method and 6,106,147 Apparatus (ART61) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO9400 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 09/112,790 Apparatus (ART62)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO9401 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,304,291Apparatus (ART63) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9402 23-Sep-97 Data ProcessingMethod and 09/112,788 Apparatus (ART64) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9403 23-Sep-97Data Processing Method and 6,305,770 Apparatus (ART65) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO9405 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,289,262 Apparatus (ART66)(Jul. 10, 1998) PP0959 16-Dec-97 A Data Processing Method and 6,315,200Apparatus (ART68) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1397 19-Jan-98 A Media Device(ART69) 6,217,165 (Jul. 10, 1998)

1. An ink supply cartridge for a printhead assembly having a printheadintegrated circuit (IC) and a guide assembly for guiding ink to the IC,the ink supply cartridge comprising: a U-shaped top portion definingside walls; and a base portion for complementarily receiving the topportion so that the side walls define elongate ink reservoirs togetherwith the base portion, wherein the base portion includes an end portiondefining a series of air inlets with convoluted winding channels leadingto the ink reservoirs, said channels hydrophobically treated to preventink escaping from the channels.
 2. The ink supply cartridge of claim 1,wherein the base portion is shaped and dimensioned to receive the guideassembly so that the ink reservoirs are in fluid communication with theIC.
 3. The ink supply cartridge of claim 1, wherein each ink reservoirincludes a sponge-type material to stabilize ink in said reservoirs andto inhibit ink from moving around in the reservoirs.
 4. The ink supplycartridge of claim 1, wherein the end portion includes a removableadhesive tape portion that seals the channels.
 5. The ink supplycartridge of claim 1, wherein the top portion defines a series of refillholes whereby the ink reservoirs can be refilled.
 6. The ink supplycartridge of claim 5, which includes a plug that seals the refill holes.7. The ink supply cartridge of claim 3, which is formed from amulti-part plastic injection mold such that mold pieces snap togetheraround the sponge material.